It’s the eternal struggle of every parent: how to steer your child away from mindnumbing video games and toward fun, brain-building games. With endless YouTube videos and smartphone games at your child’s fingertips, it can be tougher than ever to find ways to stimulate their brain in a fun and engaging way. But as is often the case, sometimes the best solution is one that’s been around the longest: chess.
Chess might seem like a complicated game for grown-ups, but it’s actually a stimulating game that players of all ages can enjoy. Children especially can benefit from playing chess as their brains are ripe for development. Among other things, chess can teach a child how to plan ahead, make quick decisions, and stay calm under pressure.
In this article, we’ll go over the ways your child can benefit from playing chess and how to get them hooked on this brain-building game.
5 Benefits Of Chess For Kids
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It helps them develop critical thinking skills
Chess is a game that requires you to think two, three, and sometimes four steps ahead. Unlike most games for kids, chess requires you to strategize about which move to take, how your opponent might respond, and how you’ll respond accordingly. It’s a great way to get kids to practice critical thinking skills they might not be used to flexing in everyday life.
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It improves their attention span
As technology gets more advanced, it seems our attention spans are getting smaller and smaller. Chess is a bulwark against a shrinking attention span in the way it teaches children to concentrate on one thing for an extended period of time. The more time kids spend concentrating on one game, the easier it will be for them to study or work uninterrupted.
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It teaches them sportsmanship
One of the biggest benefits that parents appreciate about sports is the way it teaches children how to win and how to lose. While your kid might not be out on the field giving it their all, a game of chess can be just as competitive and high stakes as any sport. Chess offers your kid a chance to put their skills to the test and see the power of their own strength. It teaches them to win with grace and to accept defeat with dignity, tools that will serve them well into adulthood.
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It forces them to get creative
One of the most brilliant things about chess is the way it rewards unorthodox thinking. The more out-of-the-box your approach, the more likely you’ll be to take your opponent unawares. Chess rewards and nurtures creative decision-making, teaching your child the value of looking at things from all angles.
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It boosts their academic performance
All of these benefits work together to make your child a better student. Studies show that students who play chess have higher test scores, better reading and math skills, and even better social skills. If practice makes perfect, it’s no wonder that chess can help your child come out of their shell and nurture the parts of the mind they use for everyday decision-making.
How To Get Your Kid Started Playing Chess
While technology might be lessening our attention spans, it’s done wonders in providing every child with access to the tools they need to succeed. Online chess programs like SparkChess are a great way to introduce kids to chess in a non-intimidating way. SparkChess has a selection of board styles that range from fantastical to professional, giving your child the ability to create their own unique experience.
Playing chess online allows your child to go up against AI opponents of various difficulties, making it easy to find the right challenge. SparkChess also has an online multiplayer community where your child can play chess online with their friends or new players from around the world. The online experience is designed to be safe for children, collecting minimal personal information and disallowing chat for players under 13.
If you want to interest your child in chess, playing chess online is the way to go. Not only will they learn and grow academically, but they’ll gain confidence in themselves and their abilities to think under pressure. Check out SparkChess today to see if it’s right for your child–you can find it on all major platforms and web browsers.
