Why Chess Is the Perfect Place to Let Your Child Fail (And Why That’s a Good Thing)
- Adrienne
- Aug 10
- 2 min read
As parents and caregivers, it’s in our DNA to protect our kids. We want them to feel proud of themselves, to succeed, to be confident. So naturally, when we see them on the verge of a mistake—or already tangled up in one—our instinct is to help. To gently steer them in the “right” direction. To say, “Maybe try that knight instead,” or “Ooh, don’t forget the bishop can take that piece!”
But here’s a secret: some of the best learning happens when we don’t jump in.
At Musical Chess, we intentionally design our classes to be full of discovery, challenge, and trial-and-error—because those are the ingredients for meaningful growth. Chess is a beautiful tool for early learners, not because we expect them to play masterfully, but because we know it gives them a safe, repeatable way to learn from mistakes.
Let’s say your child is mid-game. They have the opportunity to take a piece, but they don’t see it. Or they move their queen into danger. You might be watching and thinking, “Oh no! That was such a good move… why didn’t they take it?”
Your job in that moment? Let it happen.
Let the mistake play out. Let them feel the moment of realization. Then, when the game ends, you can gently talk it through:
“Hey, what do you think happened with that queen move?”
“Did you notice anything you might try differently next time?”
“What was your favorite move, even if it didn’t work out?”
These small reflections help them build critical thinking and resilience—far more than if we’d “saved” the move for them.
And yes, it’s hard. It’s hard to watch our kids stumble. But learning to be OK with getting something wrong, to sit in the discomfort for a second and still feel safe and seen? That’s a huge skill. One that helps not just in chess, but in life.
Because every game of chess ends the same way: we shake hands, we reset the board, and we start again. No grades. No lasting consequences. Just another chance to learn and grow.
And along the way, kids learn things like:
How to self-correct without shame
How to focus on the process, not just the win
How to approach problems with curiosity and courage
Failure in chess isn’t failure—it’s feedback. And in a world that can often feel high-pressure and perfection-focused, Musical Chess gives kids the freedom to play, to stretch, to mess up, and to try again.
So next time you see your little one forget how the knight moves, or leave their king wide open—smile. You’re watching learning in real time. And it’s a beautiful thing.
Want more ways to support your child’s growth through joyful, developmentally rich play? Explore our fall Musical Chess offerings for ages 2½–7.
And follow along on Instagram for more playful insights.
