Is there a practice to give bonus to tutor?

[KSmom8]

DS has been attending Chinese enrichment classes in a tuition centre since P2 and has a private Chinese tutor since P5. The Chinese tutor's main focus was on oral skills since we don't speak Chinese at home. Recently his Chinese tutor gave him a Hongbao for his performance in PSLE. The Hongbao contained $1xx! I feel that this is inappropriate especially considering the quantum. However, what should do? Returning the $ seemed rude....


Actually, I did consider giving her a bonus earlier... However, was not too sure what is the practice now? Don't recall my own Chinese tutors receiving bonuses - probably was not done during my schooldays. In the end, decided against a monetary bonus for 2 reasons: i feel that the enrichment centre and DS school teachers might probably helped more with his good Chinese results; and I did not want to set a precedent. What if she expects a bonus every year...particularly if she felt DS did well but I felt otherwise... Don't want unhappiness due to different expectations. So finally thought of getting her a gift nearer to Christmas.

Now, with this latest \"development\", I am reconsidering... Should I give her a monetary bonus? If so, how much is the norm (if indeed there is this practice)? Should I give a more expensive gift now? Or am I making a mountain out of a molehill? :? DH does not seem concerned about this at all, whilst I'm up at 12am plus thinking about it. :scratchhead:

Any advice or suggestion would be very very much appreciated. :?:

[AceTutors123]

Wow this is really rare! I have not heard of tutor giving so much monetary reward to a private student. It could be a genuine token of encouragement for your DS. If you plan to continue with the private tutor, you should consider getting something as a show of appreciation. I have no idea whether should it be expensive or not though!

Gifting can be such a complex thing =p

-Justin

[Kellystarry]

Wow...first time hearing of this type of practice...normally i give gifts or bake some cookies and cakes

[Skyed]

I don’t give bonus but during holiday period eg Christmas etc will give gifts.

[KSmom8]

Justin (Ace tutors), kellystarry and skyed, thank you!


Am somewhat relieved that I'm not the only one who does not give monetary bonus to tutor. She's my DS's only private tutor so was not sure what's the norm these days. Yes, I normally give cakes, cookies to her, especially during cny.

Tutor likes my DS who's the kwai sort and is very pleased with his results...so yes, it was meant as an encouragement. Though I still think the quantum was simply :yikes:

DS did do very well for his Chinese so she does deserve a token of appreciation. Was kinda of worried of \"insulting\" her if a monetary bonus is the norm these days. Will probably stick to the original idea of getting her a \"bigger\" gift as appreciation.

Thanks so much for your thoughts. Should be able to sleep more soundly tonight...I hope.

[CamiTLX]

Hi,

I dont being giving monetary bonus is a norm. Both from the tutor or from the parents.

Giving money as a reward for good work seems a negative reward when students are incentivised monetarily for good results.

Giving money to tutor can also increase the expectations of the tutor for more.

Although, on both sides, it can be seen positively. Kind of 50%-50%.

Regards,
Cami

[AdonciaTang]

Hi, my first time too hearing that. My kid’s tutor will give him gifts to encourage him only but not red packets.


On our side, DH will give her bonus after exams as she is really very good and my kids like her very much.

[janet88]

I don’t give bonus to tutors…but I gave chocolate during teachers’ day and moon cakes…no monetary bonus…but gifts. They have gone out of their way for my son…we truly appreciate that.

[AdonciaTang]

I guess there are different ways to show appreciation, as long as you feel its right, then do it.

[kiasu--carer]

I usually give gift but find giving gift card to Robinsons, Tangs, Cathay Cinema or Shaws depending on what tutor likes works best.