How to Become Your Child’s Best Chess Tutor

Not so long ago, chess was (incorrectly) considered an old gamer for older people, reinforcing a stereotype of being merely a way to pass the time. It was labeled as a slow, monotonous, and overly time-consuming game.

Yet times have changed, and so have people's views about this game. Today, chess is played and enjoyed by everyone, from kids to adults, and it's especially popular among younger players. According to the New York Times, Chess.com has experienced a notable surge in its daily active user base, particularly among individuals aged 13 to 17.

If your child shows signs of interest in chess, then you're in the right place. Instead of searching for the best ‘chess tutor near me,’ you can teach your kids yourself! We will help you become the best chess tutor for your kid, we've put together some tips. The first step is browsing The House of Staunton and finding the perfect chess gift for your kid to kick start their chess journey with style!

9 Ways to Be Your Child's Best Chess Tutor

1. Think Upwards

Think back to when you were young – didn't you learn better when you were in a happy and encouraging place? Chess is a lot like that.

Playing chess offers more than just the thrill of winning. Remember, even the best players, like grandmasters, make mistakes. It's key for your child to enjoy both the wins and the losses in chess, as this helps them grow as a player.

2. As a Chess Tutor, Patience is Key

Remember your childhood one more time. What was it like learning new things? Sometimes, you understood quickly, and other times, it took a while.

Learning chess is also similar. Each new player moves and learns at their speed. So, even if you have become a pro, try not to set your sights too high. Just focus on regular practice.

Understand that learning chess is like solving a puzzle. The more pieces you fit, the better you feel. The same thing applies when teaching your child chess – it's important to be patient and let them learn at the pace that they are comfortable with.

3. Make It More Enjoyable

Learning works best not only in a relaxed environment but also when it is made fun in several ways. That's why, even if kids don’t understand it easily, they love chess so much – it's a game, after all.

You can mix learning goals with entertaining games. Try your best that every activity, from tutoring chess to playing it, includes some element of fun.

4. Gradually Introduce New Material

Find some good chess books to polish your knowledge so you can help your kids understand better. Understanding a new subject requires time, effort, and patience. Tutoring chess basics to your child should follow a gradual approach. Spread lessons over time and introduce new concepts slowly to improve retention. Remember, learning is a step-by-step process.

5. Emphasize on Learning over Winning

As a chess tutor, it's important to remind your child that winning isn’t a must. The primary reason to play chess is to learn from your mistakes and have fun (we cannot emphasize the ‘fun’ part enough!) Winning is a bonus but not the whole purpose.

Set some rules regarding the training: Your child should pay high attention in training. Expect him to use the knowledge from training in the games. Make that the goal and not the winning itself. By doing so, you basically put your kid on the right path to getting better at chess and help them grow into skilled players by teaching them to use feedback (even if it’s negative) as a channel to success.

6. Celebrate Efforts, not Just Outcomes

Always cheer on your child's efforts, regardless of the wins or losses. Remind them that it's okay to make mistakes during a game. In fact, teach them that it’s a given.

Many young players think their game results show how smart they are, and they can get worried if they don't see quick results from their training. This can make them unsure whether they're cut out for chess.

As a chess tutor, how you respond to their worries is really important for how they'll feel about chess in the future. Pay attention to how hard they're trying to learn and the strategies they use in games.

Focus on their practice and effort, not just on how they do in tournaments. Praise them for sticking to a week's training plan instead of picking apart how they played in a game. Remember, they're just starting with chess, so there's no need for detailed weekly performance stats.

7. Meet Them Where They Are At

While most parents and chess tutors already know this, it's important to understand why meeting the kids at their developmental level is crucial while teaching chess. "Playing at a child's level" means engaging with them in a way that helps them learn.

The best way to do this is to let your child feel successful by collecting pieces and winning some games, even if it means going easy on them sometimes.

This doesn't mean giving up every time you're behind, as that wouldn't be fair. Making mistakes is one of life's great teaching tools. Remember, it’s helpful to experience early "wins" when learning something new to gain confidence in mastering the skill.

8. Start with Abridged Chess Rules

Try not to overload with too many rules at once. If your child is beginning with chess, playing a simplified version of the game is more enjoyable and less daunting.

Once he is comfortable with the basic rules and feels ready for a challenge, you can move on to the full, traditional chess rules. "Standard Chess" is the term for chess played with all the rules set by FIDE (the World Chess Federation).

9. Nurture Resilience

Help your child learn resilience by teaching them how to recover from letdowns. Talk about ways to handle losses and challenges, highlighting the lessons they can learn from these experiences.

Stories of famous champions who overcame tough situations can be inspiring for some kids. However, for many young kids just starting out, these stories might set high expectations and add stress.

As chess tutors, we often encourage kids to keep playing until the end, especially when they're just beginning. As they get better, you can then use the stories and biographies of great chess players as motivation.

Wrapping Up

Getting your kids into chess can be extremely beneficial for their growth. It helps with their critical thinking and builds their self-esteem.

To get your children into chess, start with the basics and play with them often. Keep it enjoyable by adding in puzzles and different challenges.

You might also think about signing them up for a chess club in your area or an online course after getting them the right tools to learn. Remember, as a parent and as your child's chess tutor, your backing and positive words can make a big difference in keeping up your child's interest in chess.