When parents allow a tutor to come into their home and teach their child for many weeks or months, the tutor can become like a friend of the family. I feel that the best tutors are those who are interested in the student's academics as well as the student's well being.

Sometimes, lessons are not just about multiplying and dividing integers, but they may also be about helping the student with an emotional problem relating to school. Sometimes, life's issues can be more important (in the moment) than studying for the vocabulary test. It is up to the tutor to know how to navigate these issues, prioritize, and decide if and/or when it's appropriate to veer off the "lesson."

There is a time for play and a time for studying. Some tutors are very capable of allowing leeway, especially if the student needs a minute here and there to be able to focus over a long period of time. While others like to stick to a more strict framework.

On the flip side, there are parents who prefer more stringent tutors, while there are still others who prefer someone who is more lax.

Parents, when finding tutors, there are many qualities for which you're looking. PrivateTutorDirectory.com provides many characteristics for you to sift through. One thing that is not listed, however, is if the tutor will be the right match for the family. Other than waiting to find out if your son likes his tutor and is able to talk to her, ask the tutor how she would deal with certain issues. For instance, if your daughter comes home from school with a black eye because some mean girl called her a bad name, and they got into a fight, she may not be able to concentrate that well. Your daughter has a test the next day, and absolutely needs to be tutored. What will the tutor do to gain her attention?

Remember: The tutor has to be the kind of tutor you want for your child, but the tutor also needs to be someone who can make a difference (whether it's to stop your child from failing or helping your child get ahead).