Why Building a Relationship with Your Child’s Tutor is Key to Their Success
As parents, we all want our children to get the most out of their tutoring sessions. When we invest in extra academic support, we expect our children to make progress smoothly and efficiently. However, it’s important to understand that the foundation for effective learning is trust and comfort between the tutor and the student. Without this foundation, even the best academic strategies fall short.
At Rose Writing Center, we’ve seen firsthand how the most successful students are the ones who feel secure and supported by their tutors. Tutors who take the time to create a welcoming, comfortable environment help students become more resilient to feedback, less afraid of making mistakes, and more focused on growth rather than performance. These students stop worrying about being right or wrong and start concentrating on learning, improving, and tackling challenges with curiosity.
I always encourage parents first and foremost to look for a tutor who will prioritize relationship-building alongside academics. The first few sessions, especially, are critical. When tutors spend time developing rapport, they create a space where your child feels at ease and ready to engage fully.
So, how can parents tell if their child’s tutor is fostering this environment? Here are some practices we employ at Rose Writing Center to set every student up for success:
A Warm Welcome: Each session should begin with a genuine smile and a positive tone. The way the tutor greets your child sets the stage for how the session will unfold. A warm, cheerful approach makes your child feel valued from the start.
Personalized Attention: Saying your child’s name frequently throughout the session is a simple but powerful tool. Tutors who use their student’s name often signal that they are fully present and attentive. This helps build trust and keeps the child engaged.
Thoughtful Questions: A good tutor doesn’t jump straight into the lesson. Instead, they ask about your child’s week, weekend plans, or what they’re currently reading. These specific, thoughtful questions not only help build rapport but also show that the tutor genuinely cares about your child’s experiences beyond academics.
Active Listening: Tutors should be fully focused on your child when they answer these questions. This means maintaining eye contact and being still—not multitasking or preparing materials while your child is speaking. It’s about showing your child that their voice matters.
Meaningful Responses: After listening, a tutor should respond thoughtfully and connect on a personal level. This back-and-forth builds the tutor-student relationship and helps your child feel confident and supported.
Exciting Transitions: Before diving into the lesson, tutors should make an enthusiastic segue. This simple statement—like, “I’ve been looking forward to our lesson all week!”—helps your child shift focus and prepares them to dive into the day’s learning with excitement.
These relationship-building practices take only a few minutes but can dramatically impact how well your child responds to feedback and engages with the material. At Rose Writing Center, we believe those first few minutes are a minor investment with major returns.
As a parent, you can rest assured that when your child feels comfortable and valued, they are more likely to embrace challenges, make progress, and truly benefit from their tutoring sessions. By fostering a strong tutor-student relationship, you’re setting your child up for long-term success—not just in academics but in their confidence and approach to learning.
