Homework Helper

What exactly is a homework helper? Let's say a parent asks you to help a child or two with his or her homework while you're babysitting. There you have it. Yes, there is a term for it. It's less official than "tutor" because more than likely you're supposed to be babysitting and helping with homework at the same time. Oh, and making the same hourly rate as babysitting.

Take note of how long you're helping with homework and what level the coursework is. Helping a six-year-old construct three sentences is part of a typical babysitting job. Helping a sixth-grader study for an end-of-year science exam is another ball game.

Look up the going rates for tutors in your area. You may be surprised to learn that tutors earn anywhere between $30 to $60 an hour. Granted, you may not be a teacher or an expert in chemistry, but half the battle is making sure the child understands how to study. You don't have to be an expert in all subjects to be a homework helper.

So what do you do if you're hired to babysit but spend four hours with a child and an American History textbook? And he hardly knows his stuff? Maybe nothing. It could be one test, and you help the child two nights beforehand and hope he passes. If, on the other hand, you're asked to help with homework every day after school, two or more hours, you may want to talk with the parent or caregiver about raising your rate. If the parents are using you in lieu of a tutor (which would be far more costly), you should speak up.

You may even look into what it takes to become a tutor. There are tutoring agencies all over who can match your skills with a child in need of some extra help after school.




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Homework Helper