Chess teaches good manners
January 24, 2010
Parents often tell me that their children don’t like to lose. Well, that’s natural. I don’t like to lose either. I don’t know too many people who do. However, it is valuable to learn to handle losses with good manners.
We teach our students from the start that when you win or lose you should always shake your opponent’s hand and say “Good game!” Many games will be played and no one can expect to win every game.
I tell our students that good manners is important. It is part of being a chess player. We talk about the right way to handle a win, too. Jumping up and saying, “I WON, YOU LOST!! HA HA HA!” is not polite. Neither is bursting into tears and running away from the board, if you lose.
Kids get this. They laugh and nod in agreement.
Last week I was very pleased when a mother of one of our 5-year-old students called me. Her son had been home from school sick for the day and they had played chess.
That on its own was pretty cool!
Then she had told me that she always had trouble with her son when he lost at Candyland or some other game. But when they played chess, he was different. When he lost a piece, he actually said, “Good one, mom!” to her with a smile. She was astonished and very pleased.
I love hearing these stories back from parents!
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Very nice. I’ll remember that when (if ever!!!) I have grandchildren. Thank you!
PS: That’s a really lovely picture!
comment by Renee — January 25, 2010 @ 10:14 pm
Wish someone had taught me that when I was a kid. I’d have fewer scars.
comment by HillRunner — January 25, 2010 @ 11:39 pm
Thank you both so much! Yes, it is an important life lesson.
comment by Your Chess Coach — January 26, 2010 @ 11:54 am
Awesome! Looking forward to being back in FL at some point so my kid can take lessons too!
comment by Kat — January 26, 2010 @ 8:47 pm
That would be great, Kat!
comment by Your Chess Coach — January 26, 2010 @ 9:40 pm
Good article =).
The problem in this isn’t my children, it happens to be ME! My kids are so smart and they learned Chess before I did, my son’s simply bury me…though they try to console me about it (LOL).
I’m trying to fix the running from the board and crying part.
-Jaime Buckley
comment by Jaime Buckley — February 8, 2010 @ 5:18 pm
You’ve succeeded in making me grin.
One idea is that you can let your son teach you. You’ll find an article about that here on my blog.
Teaching is an excellent way to learn, actually. You must really know your stuff if you teach someone else. It will be great for your son and will help you improve your game.
You have raised a chess champ. That’s something to be very proud about.
comment by Your Chess Coach — February 8, 2010 @ 5:29 pm
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