It might have been just about this time last year that I cried out for help over John wanting to stop playing chess. Well, he stuck with it for another year but the time has finally come. As parents, we struggled with him just quitting something he was so clearly excelled at. But, in the end, we realized that he just wasn’t enjoying it. Besides, it is something he can always come back to.
They wrap up each semester of chess with a parent day. I loved watching him play his very last game. Whit also picked it up this year, but wasn’t into it at all. He actually opted out of his last game to just cheer on brother, stating “I can’t even play this game because it’s not really a game like they say. It’s not exercising. It’s just using your hands while sitting down.” Ooooookay then.
John walked away with the BIG trophy for overall runner up (all grades, all types of chess – they learn lots of different games!), and Whit brought home the 1st grade 3rd place award for bughouse (one of the games they learn). This is one of those everyone-gets-a-trophy kind of activities. A few are impressivelyl legit and the rest are very creative :-)
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit sad. We aren’t going to fill this “hole” with anything else at this point. School has brought a lot of tests, projects and homework and he is ramping up in lacrosse. I think we will just keep this time open for being a kid with no plans and no place to go.
xoxo
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It’s always kind of sad when one stage ends, isn’t it? Congratulations to both boys on their chess accomplishments! xo
It is hard to watch them give up something they loved at one point in time. But, as you mentioned he can always pick it up again.
I know that sad feeling, but you were right to take the cue from John. If you haven’t seen it, I think you would love the movie “Searching for Bobby Fischer”. It is about a young chess player, but also about life. Enjoy!
What a great parent! John is lucky to have parents that know when to push and when to let a kid be a kid!!!
Congratulations, John. You did a great job! You stayed committed and can use that same determination successfully in whatever you choose to do.
By the way, I am stealing Whit’s explaination of chess and using it forever! He is hysterical! :-)
Oops…(explanation)