Would you work for other parents at school?

[4up4down]

In a nutshell I have two gifted and talented children (relevant because I think it is why I have been asked.) I used to teach (older age group) but haven’t done that for years. As my children are doing very well at school I have been approached by two parents asking whether I would coach their children after school, a sort of study group. (These children have been at our house for homework sessions a few times.)

I am not sure about a working relationship with those whom I socialise with at parties and school events though.

What would you do?

Sounds like it has the potential to be awkward, so no, I wouldn’t do it.

Yep, that’s what I’m thinking PrimeExample

Sounds like a recipe for disaster to me.

My DS is very, very good at Maths/Science and I've been asked by a few other parents how DH and I accomplished that and could we help their child.

However the truth is that apart from conceiving him, we've done bugger all than provide a loving and supportive home life.

Of those who have asked the majority accept the truth that he's simply very talented in these areas academically, but a few people seem to think think there's some sort of "magic fairy dust" we sprinkle on him and that we keep it in locked cupboard and refuse to share.

You could tutor these children and offer support but you're not going to be able to replicate the innate talents/gifts your children were born with.

To be fair they may well understand this but on the chance they do not I'd politely decline as any potential fallout is wider than a professional tutoring arrangement.

DeRigueurMortis That’s exactly it. I think what has happened is that they enjoyed studying at our place and want to come over all the time and the parents see it as an imposition. Which to be honest it would be if we made it a regular thing. So they offered money lol!

Im intrigued to know what it is about your home set up that the other DC enjoyed ( genuine question 😊).

Yes, I do this. I run an after school class which the children of classmates attend.

My approach is very take it or leave it. If people want to quit, absolutely no offense is taken. If people use another teachers class, that’s fine too. I like teaching what I teach, so it’s more of just a hobby for me on top of my main job.

Also, in my case, I advertise it as a club not a class. Kids can come and pay the fee and we study together, but it’s a casual arrangement. If they don’t come, they don’t pay. You need to consider things like that before you agree to anything. Make sure your rules are clear.

IfOnlyOurEyesSawSouls

I think part of it is books, we’re a bit of a library and have books on most subjects and that seems to be a novelty these days. Big table in the middle of the room surrounded by books! It’s sort of “grown up” and the atmosphere is right.

My dc love studying and that’s infectious, we talk a lot about why they are learning whatever it is they are learning, not just what, and we’ve been through the curriculum to see what there is left to do. (Some teachers don’t seem to do this.)

I don’t know what else. My forte is explaining, passing on information in an understandable way, but actually they don’t need that much. They need motivation, no distractions and a clear path where they are going.

I think BlackCatSleeping's point is a good one.
If you were happy to have them (and felt it wouldn't distract your dc) and would appreciate a bit of extra cash, you could do it but make sure it was very much a 'homework club' and not a 'tutoring service'.

I suspect quite a few parents would be happy to pay for their dc to be 'encouraged' to settle to homework in that sort of a 'club' with adult to support if they wanted it, rather than to either go home to an empty house or to outs of school club or a CMer with littlies to look after or even to battle with them themselves. But the key would be in being clear you weren't going to 'tutor' or 'teach a curriculum'.

If you do go ahead Black's advice seems very sound re: a club and PAYG per session.

Tbh I think it depends a lot on the parents.

As per my post above, if they are reasonable and it's genuinely that the kids enjoy these study sessions it may not be a problem (if you want to do it and you follow Black's approach).

However, if you have suspicions they think you have a secret stash of "magic dust" (which you seemed to imply from your OP) then I'd be reluctant to engage other than occasional unpaid study sessions that suit you and your children.

Be aware though, that not unreasonably, people's expectations will increase if they are paying for a service.

Thank you all.

I think the parents think I have magic dust! Plus I hadn’t thought of the possible distraction to my dc if it were a regular thing.

@4up4down that sounds lovely. I adore books !

It doesn’t sound like you really want to do it, so I’d politely decline.

There are also issues with insurance if you are being paid.