Training a rebellious child

"The only reason I'm a rebel is because people think they can tell me what to do." – Keira Knightley

Let's say you are good enough in the game of chess to engage your child in chess training. But, he doesn't listen to you, he is a rebel. The other day, he thought of breaking every ridiculous rule in your home's dusty, outdated rulebook such as "Nobody shall wear mismatched socks especially while going out". With a sneer, he put on one jet black sock and one milk white sock, and stormed out of the door, ready to cause a pandemonium. As your darling walked down the street, townsfolk gasped and whispered, "Look, it's Ambi the Rebel! How daring!" 

So, what do you do with your rebel star? Fret not, there are certain ways to get more creative! Here you go with one of them...

If both you and your spouse are well trained players, simply set this up at your home. If not, a cooperation with another well trained friend is needed. Go back in time where online transfer of moves was unthinkable and employ a pigeon (your child will enact a pigeon!) to be a messenger while you play Over The Board from different rooms telling your child that you're doing so to get some valuable inputs from him and this will ensure the move consultations remain hush-hush between you and your child, and your spouse's and your child separately. You play a move over the board in front of you, your pigeon takes the same to the next room where your spouse is waiting for the same and vice versa. Take the pressure off your child to absorb the material in the guise of move consultation with him and precisely meet the original intended point - training him with the pleasant addition of creativity, all the while making the game come across like a debate between two artists rather than the brute winning. You may both discuss the ensuing positions from both colours in an animated fashion with your child, discussing the plans elaborately lasting upto several minutes even before you arrive at the decision for a particular move and display thorough reflection over the critical positions. And don't forget to discuss amusing variations from time to time, because wedges like this make it easy for one to absorb and fit the material in place. Honour his effort to suggest you the moves/plans and watch for yourself the priceless sparkle in his eyes and him getting enamoured for those beautiful wooden carvings over the board. See how easy it's to spread the culture of good training, isn't it? 

Roleplay rather than powerplay/display your knowledge, because the order should be the engagement rather than the instruction. You debating with your child helps the latter to subconsciously understand the importance of reflecting over the position before jumping into the move, thus tackling the impulsive play issue as well in the process. More than anything, you are improving the odds of your child developing the love towards the game!

-- Aruna

   03-08-2024