One of the problems of being a live-in home tutor is that some families have a tutor simply because they think it is prestigious to do so. One is shown off as a ‘prized pony’ to their friends and peers. 

I was hired by such a family who lived in Palm Beach in Florida to tutor their two sons aged 13 and 15. It quickly became apparent that the two boys did not need a tutor; they were both at famous schools in New England and both were doing well there. I had been hired as a trophy tutor. 

The parents did not seem to feel that it was their responsibility to bring up their children – previously they had delegated it to nannies and au pairs, but nannies and au pairs did not have the authority of a tutor. 

First of all, they expected me to eat with the staff, which consisted of a butler, cook, housekeeper and chauffeur. I pointed out that it was part of the conditions of the job that I eat and live with the family so that I have as much influence as possible over their children. They reluctantly agreed to this. In fact I managed to win them over and we all started to get on very well together. 

They want me to go back next year! As neither son really needed any scholastic tutoring, I tried to help them in other ways – improving their tennis, squash and swimming. Through sports they also improved their patience, concentration and restraint. They were very glad to have the time and attention that their parents rarely gave them. It was actually a great pleasure to spend time with the boys as I felt that I had been able to contribute to their becoming the fine young men that they are today. GW