An experienced history teacher has made a radical lifestyle change by ditching her career of 20 years to start her own business.

Samantha O’Neill, who will be 42 next week, became disillusioned with working long past her scheduled hours despite being passionate about secondary school teaching.

"It’s not an ideal career for parents anymore," the mum of two said.

"It was heartbreaking because I love teaching. You build great relationships with colleagues and girls and it’s knowing that I won’t be in contact with those great people anymore."

Her new venture is Assured Parenting, which she runs from her home in Beckenham, where she has lived for over 15 years after growing up in West Wickham.

She offers a five-week course to anyone raising a child and is keen to promote what’s known as the growth mindset.

Samantha offered advice to parents who may be wary about doing her course.

"It’s not about being a failure as a parent," she stressed. "It is about wanting the best for your children.

"This isn’t for parents who have messed up. It is for parents who are genuinely interested in helping children be the best they can be.

"It’s also about helping to manage everyday problems, from putting kids to bed at the end of the day when you’re tired and want down time to sibling rivalry.

"I want to make family life smoother, happier and calmer."

Samantha has two children, seven and two, and she completed her training at The Parent Practice in west London.

Her five-week course also deals with how to better connect emotionally with children and teaching your child the values you want instilled.

Asked about mishaps parents make without being aware, Samantha, who has a masters in education, said not complimenting enough was common.

"Parents focus on misbehaviour," she said. "A child hears on average nine negative comments a day to one positive one.

"The ratio is the wrong way around. If they are feeling down their narrative is they are a bad person and did something wrong.

"The narrative needs to be about saying ‘I can do this'."

Samantha had her first group session (five people) last week and said she was "really pleased" with how the business has started.