Chess is a timeless game that offers numerous benefits for children, from enhancing cognitive skills to teaching valuable life lessons. As a parent, you can play a crucial role in nurturing your child’s interest in chess while helping them excel in the game.

Supporting your child’s chess journey involves creating a nurturing environment, connecting with the chess community, and providing consistent encouragement. When you can do all three, you can truly unlock your child’s potential and help guide them on a rewarding chess journey.

 

Get Set Up for Success

Get a chess board to keep at home, and set it up in a quiet and distraction free area. Set a practice schedule that encourages your child to regularly solve puzzles, play games, and practice tactics.

 

Be Encouraging Without Pressuring

Children do best when they feel supported, so encourage their participation and praise their efforts more than outcomes.

 

Attend Tournaments

Chess Wizards offers many tournament opportunities throughout the year that are open to all skill levels, including beginners. Attending tournaments is not only a great opportunity for growth but also a chance to show your child that you take their interest in chess seriously.

 

Learn To Play Together

You don’t have to have the skills to teach your child chess (that’s our specialty!) but we do encourage parents to take time to learn the basics so you can play friendly games together at home. It won’t be long before your child will be coming home from class ready to teach you some new moves.

 

Build Resilience

Losing is a part of the game, so continue to teach your child how to accept defeat gracefully, to learn from their mistakes and to be ready to try again.

 

Connect In Your Community

Encourage your child to connect with other individuals who enjoy chess. By connecting with others through clubs, online forums, or local meet-up groups your child can find support, inspiration, friendship, and hopefully, long-lasting passion for the game.

 

Get To Know Your Child’s Teacher

Take time to ask your child’s teacher about their progress and see what things they should be practicing at home.

 

Celebrate Successes

In a game like chess, you will never get away from stressful or disappointing moments, so take time to celebrate all the successes, no matter how big or small.

 

Remember, your role as a parent in your child’s chess journey truly can make all the difference.