To want to give up?

[SarahLongAndTall]

I'm a subject-specific tutor. One family I work for, although nice, are quite demanding. I teach a couple of their children at a time (which is stressful in itself) and they are very keen for me to provide new resources for further practice (many of which I have to make myself) without really realising the time and effort that goes into this. They want lots of homework for the kids but when I provide, there are complaints; when I don't, there are complaints too...

I also travel to where they live in the countryside, which takes 40 mins or so each way. I'm so stressed and want to give up but won't as I don't want to let them down

Is this normal and should I just suck it up?

[SageYourResoluteOracle]

I think it's normal for people to take advantage/not realise the work that goes into prep- yes

BUT you need to charge for any additional hours you spend preparing over and above what you'd do for a normal session. I'm presuming you're self empolyed? I am too and you have to get a bit firm with managing others' expectations.

As for the tutoring two children at the same time, if it's not making the difference to the children then you need to suggest to this family that you tutor each children separately.

Stand firm!
Or, alternatively, ditch 'em but that's possibly cutting your nose off to spite you face. Good luck!

[TheGreatSnafu]

YANBU.

Do you have any other clients for comparison?

As a parent who has used tutors I have compensated them for out of session time spent preparing customised resources / worksheets. Preparing a moderate amount of homework in advance has usually not been extra.

Sounds like you can't win with them whatever you do.

[SarahLongAndTall]

Thank you both.

They're getting a pretty good deal IMO, works out at about 15 eur per child per week, including time spent travelling to them, a full hour's work, homework, lesson planning.

This isn't their fault per se but I don't think they appreciate how tough it is managing the spirits of two lively boys! I just often end up feeling guilty because by the time everyone has settled down and we've started work, answered queries etc etc, I feel like not that much effective work has been done!

When I compare it other tutees I have, I feel like the sessions are much more rewarding and so much more is done! Ho hum

[TheGreatSnafu]

If they want to utilise your time they will settle the boys and have them ready to work when you arrive.

Am I weird? This is what I've always done!

It seemed like both the most resourceful thing to do as well as showing respect to the tutor. But then I don't have 2 lively boys so it's easy for me to be smug about it.

[leelu66]

Looks like you're making €7.50 an hour. Sounds like a lot of stress for that much.

I would double what you charge them. There is no shame in saying it's not working for you, though, and giving them a couple of weeks notice to find another tutor.

Life's too short, leave it and find better tutees.

[SarahLongAndTall]

Snafu, that's it, yes... My other tutees are sat down and ready when I arrive, with everything they need to hand. I don't want to sound old-fashioned but I do actually find it a tad disrespectful that they're not in "lesson mode" when I arrive! Especially after what is essentially a commute for me!

Also when I'm explaining something to one child and often the other one will start doodling - I don't see it as my job to tell them off but come on! That's not on