When your child struggles in school, it’s natural to think tutoring is the solution. After all, if grades are slipping, maybe they just need more help in math, reading, or science. And sometimes, that’s absolutely true.
But other times, the issue isn’t with what your child is learning—it’s with how they manage school as a whole. That’s where executive function coaching comes in.
As a parent, knowing the difference between tutoring and executive function coaching can help you choose the right support—and reduce the stress, conflict, and frustration that school struggles often bring into your home.
What Tutoring Really Does
Tutoring zeroes in on specific subjects. If your child is having trouble with fractions, a math tutor explains it in a new way. If they’re preparing for a chemistry test, the tutor reviews formulas and practice problems.
Tutoring is most effective when:
- Your child simply doesn’t understand the content.
- They need extra practice beyond the classroom.
- They’re preparing for an upcoming test.
Think of tutoring as giving your child the academic “tools” to succeed in a particular subject.
What Executive Function Coaching Really Does
Executive function coaching is about teaching the skills behind learning. These are the habits and strategies that make school (and life) manageable: staying organized, planning ahead, managing time, staying focused, and handling emotions under stress.
Signs your child may need coaching instead of (or in addition to) tutoring:
- They understand the material but forget to turn assignments in.
- Their backpack, binder, or online portals are chaotic.
- Homework turns into nightly battles because they procrastinate until the last minute.
- They get easily frustrated and shut down when school feels overwhelming.
Executive function coaching doesn’t just improve grades—it gives your child (and your family) a sense of control and peace. No more nightly arguments over missing assignments or frantic last-minute project scrambles.
Why Families Sometimes Need Both
Here’s the truth: many students benefit from both tutoring and executive function coaching. For example, your child may need a math tutor to explain algebra—but without coaching, they may never start their math homework until it’s too late. Together, tutoring and coaching support both the content and the skills needed to succeed.
So Which Is Right for My Child?
- If your child doesn’t understand the material, tutoring will help.
- If your child knows the material but can’t manage school effectively, coaching may be the missing piece.
- If your child struggles with both, the combination of tutoring and coaching can provide lasting results.
At Burch Tutoring, we understand that every child’s struggles—and strengths—are unique. That’s why we offer both expert subject tutoring and specialized executive function coaching. Our goal is not just to help your child earn better grades, but to reduce stress at home and set them up for long-term confidence and success.
👉 Explore our services at www.burchtutor.com and see how we can support your family.