How to Choose the Right Tutor for a Teen Who’s Lost Motivation

1. What Is Really Behind the Lack of Motivation?

It is rarely laziness. Motivation usually drops because something underneath has changed.

Ask yourself:

• Has school become overwhelming or stressful?
• Have friendships, confidence or self-belief taken a knock?
• Do they feel stuck in a subject they once enjoyed?
• Are there learning gaps that make lessons feel too hard to follow?

A good tutor will aim to understand these roots before diving into academic content.

2. What Type of Tutor Personality Will Connect Best?

Teenagers learn best when they feel respected and understood.

Ask yourself:

• Does my child respond better to calm encouragement or firm structure?
• Would they prefer a younger, relatable mentor or an experienced teacher figure?
• Do they need someone who brings humour and energy, or someone patient and reassuring?

The right personality match often matters more than the tutor’s exact qualifications.

3. What Should the First Few Lessons Feel Like?

Early sessions are about trust, not testing.

Ask yourself:

• Does the tutor take time to listen to your teen? All Enjoy tutors will have received a full briefing from the Enjoy team so don’t be surprised if they jump straight into teaching if they have in depth information already. 
• Are they asking the right questions to understand your child’s goals and barriers?
• Does your teen leave sessions feeling more capable, not more criticised?

You should start to see small sparks of curiosity returning within a few weeks.

4. What Type of Structure Will Work Best?

Motivation grows when lessons are achievable, and progress feels visible.
Ask yourself:

• Does my teen need 1 hour focused sessions, a full tuition timetable during holidays or longer deep-dive lessons?
• Would they benefit from online flexibility or face-to-face accountability?
• Is there a clear plan linking tutoring sessions to schoolwork, revision or goals?

A well-structured approach helps rebuild confidence step by step. Our Education Consultants will run through questions like this during your first call so it is great to have a think about what you think will work best. 

5. How Can I Stay Involved Without Taking Over?

Parents play a vital role in sustaining progress.

Ask yourself:

• Do I get regular, honest feedback from the tutor? With an Enjoy tutor, you will receive a written progress report at the end of every month. 
• Can I spot subtle changes in my child’s attitude even if marks have not yet improved? Enjoy Tutor reports will make comment on student attitude alongside progress in academic attainment.
• Am I encouraging progress without adding pressure?

Motivation often returns slowly at first. Consistency is what counts most.

How Enjoy Education Can Help

At Enjoy Education our tutors don’t just teach; they deliberately re‐engage. We start by understanding your child’s learning story – what’s worked, what hasn’t and what might reignite interest. Every plan combines academic skill-building with confidence coaching and personalised support.