Editor support

The Family Success Journal is recognised as a worthwhile resource for families by Maxine and the team at Love Chester, Love Wirral and Love Wrexham. 

Personal Support for Parents

1. Give Your Child an Educational Edge
Personal guidance for 7+, 11+, Common Entrance, school entry and interviews
Helping families prepare confidently and sensibly.

2. Stress-Free Homework and Study
Homework routines, concentration, organisation, motivation and independent learning. practical support  -  without unnecessary battles.

3. Confidence, Resilience & School Success
Helping children develop confidence and self-belief, cope with setbacks and approach school and examinations positively.

4. Choosing the Right School & Tutor
Independent guidance on school choice, finding the right tutor, questions to ask and preparing for parents' meetings and school visits.

5. Developing the Whole Child
Encouraging curiosity, hobbies, sport, interests and independence, while recognising each child's individual strengths and achievements.

6. Personal Parent Support
Sometimes a family simply needs to talk through a particular concern. Personal guidance tailored to your child and circumstances.

Every Child Is Different

My approach is personal rather than one-size-fits-all. An initial conversation gives you the opportunity to tell me about your child, what you would like help with and whether I am the right person to support you.

Contact me

There is no charge for an initial enquiry or conversation. The Family Success Journal and the many articles and resources on this website are completely free. Additional personalised support and resources are also available for families who would like further support.

Parent Resource Library

Welcome to my free Parent Resource Library – practical information to help parents support their children in education, sport and everyday life.

Here you will find:

• Parent Tip Sheets with practical ideas for supporting your child

• Practical checklists and planners covering homework, revision, family routines

• Reading recommendations for parents and children

• Trusted links and guidance to help build confidence, resilience and motivation

     New resources will be added regularly

Choosing the Right Private Tutor

Choosing the right tutor is an important decision, and the right support can make a real difference to your child's confidence and progress. For Personal Guidance, Please See Parent Enquiry Below

Preparing for 7+, 11+, Common Entrance Examinations

Every child deserves the opportunity to approach important school examinations with confidence rather than anxiety.

Drawing on many years of experience in education, I provide personal guidance for parents and children, focusing on preparation, confidence, organisation and effective study habits.

Recognising Achievement 

Children respond positively when genuine effort and progress are recognised.  Celebrating individual progress can help build confidence and a sense of achievement.

I believe that encouragement, praise and positive recognition help children develop confidence, resilience and a lifelong love of learning.

Hobby Spotlight

Discover a New Interest Every Month

Trying a new hobby can open the door to new friendships, greater confidence and valuable life skills. Hobbies encourage children to be curious, creative and active while providing a healthy balance alongside schoolwork and sport.

Each month we will introduce a different hobby, explain how to get started and highlight the many benefits it can bring. Whether your child enjoys being outdoors, solving problems, creating something new or helping others, there is a hobby to suit every personality and interest.

This Month's Hobby: Chess

Chess is enjoyed by millions of people of all ages and is one of the world's most rewarding games. It is easy to learn, enjoyable to play and helps develop skills that can benefit children both in school and in everyday life.

Why Try Chess?

Playing chess can help children to:

• Improve concentration and attention.

• Develop logical and independent thinking.

• Strengthen memory and problem-solving skills.

• Learn patience and careful decision-making.

• Build resilience by learning from both victories and defeats.

• Increase confidence through steady improvement.

Getting Started

Beginning is easier than many people think.

• Learn the names of the pieces and how they move.

• Play simple practice games with family or friends.

• Borrow a beginner's chess book from your local library.

• Watch beginner tutorials from trusted educational websites.

• Join a local chess club or school chess group if one is available.

• Practise regularly and enjoy improving one game at a time.

More Than Just Winning

The greatest rewards of chess are not trophies or medals. Children learn to think ahead, remain calm under pressure, respect their opponents and keep trying even when things do not go as planned. These qualities are valuable throughout school and later life.

Share Your Ideas

Have you discovered a hobby that you really enjoy?

We would love to hear about it. Tell us what your hobby is, how you became interested and why you would recommend it to other children. Selected contributions may be featured on our website to inspire other young people to discover new interests and develop lifelong passions.

Could This Become Your Passion?

Many successful adults discovered a lifelong interest simply because they decided to try something new when they were young. Why not choose one new hobby this month? You may discover an activity that brings enjoyment, confidence and opportunities for many years to come.

Curious Minds Club

A Place Where Children and Parents Can Discover New Interests

Learning does not stop when the school day ends. Some of the happiest and most successful young people develop interests outside the classroom that help them build confidence, creativity, resilience and a lifelong love of learning.

The Curious Minds Club is designed to encourage children and families to explore new ideas, discover exciting hobbies and enjoy learning together.

What You'll Find

Hobby of the Month
Each month we introduce an enjoyable hobby, explain why children enjoy it, and show simple ways to get started.

Great Books to Read
Recommended books for different age groups covering science, history, nature, sport, space, adventure, biographies and many other fascinating subjects.

Did You Know?
A collection of surprising and interesting facts designed to spark curiosity and encourage children to ask questions and learn more.

Places to Visit
Ideas for enjoyable family visits including museums, science centres, castles, nature reserves, observatories, historic sites and sporting venues throughout the UK.

Learn More Online
A carefully selected collection of educational websites, videos and resources that children and parents can explore together.

Young Explorer Challenge
A simple challenge encouraging children to discover one new fact, skill or interest each week and share what they have learned.

Children's Ideas Corner – Share Your Hobby
We would love to hear about the hobbies you enjoy. Tell us what you like doing, how you became interested, and why you think other children might enjoy it too. Some of our favourite contributions may be featured on this website.

Could This Become Your Passion?
Every great achievement often begins with a simple interest. We will introduce activities such as photography, astronomy, chess, birdwatching, coding, gardening, painting, athletics, swimming, music, drama and volunteering—helping children discover interests that could bring enjoyment for many years to come

PARENTS' ENQUIRY

How can I help?

For a complimentary initial conversation please contact:

Dennis J Smith M.Ed

Email: scholarlyachievement@gmail.com

Mobile: 07796 - 667818

Website: sportstudysuccess.co.uk