Our Chess Resolutions for the New Year: Smart Moves for Happy Kids
The New Year is the perfect time for fresh starts, big dreams—and a few great resolutions. At our chess community, we’re swapping unrealistic goals for smart, playful, and kid-friendly chess resolutions that help children grow both on and off the board.
Whether your child is brand new to chess or already dreaming of checkmate, these New Year’s chess resolutions are all about learning, having fun, and building confidence—one move at a time.
Let’s make this year a winning one!
Resolution #1: Learn New Moves (Because Brains Love a Challenge!)
Chess is like a mental playground. Every new move, opening, or tactic gives kids a chance to stretch their thinking and try something new.
Learning new chess moves:
Builds problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
Encourages curiosity and persistence
Keeps kids engaged and excited to improve
Research backs this up. A well-known meta-analysis by cognitive scientists Giovanni Sala and Fernand Gobet found that chess instruction can improve children’s cognitive abilities, especially problem-solving and planning skills.
Parent tip: Celebrate effort, not perfection. Learning a new move—even if it doesn’t work right away—is a win.
Resolution #2: Have Fun (Yes, Fun Comes First!)
Let’s be honest: if it’s not fun, kids won’t stick with it.
Chess doesn’t have to feel serious or intimidating. When kids enjoy the game, they’re more motivated to learn, practice, and keep playing.
Fun in chess can look like:
Laughing over a surprising move
Playing friendly games at home
Exploring silly strategies just to see what happens
The American Academy of Pediatrics consistently emphasizes that play is essential for healthy brain development, emotional regulation, and learning. Chess, when approached playfully, fits right in.
Remember: A happy player is a growing player!
Resolution #3: Think Before We Move (A Life Skill in Disguise)
One of the greatest gifts chess gives children is the ability to pause and think before acting.
By practicing “think first” habits in chess, kids learn to:
Slow down and consider consequences
Plan ahead instead of reacting impulsively
Make thoughtful decisions under pressure
Educational psychologists often highlight chess as a tool for developing executive function—skills like focus, self-control, and planning that support success in school and everyday life.
Bonus: These skills don’t stay on the board. Parents often notice them showing up in homework time, sports, and social situations too.
Resolution #4: Celebrate Every Win (Big and Small!)
In chess, a “win” isn’t always checkmate.
This year, we’re celebrating:
Remembering a new rule
Staying focused for a whole game
Trying again after a tough loss
Showing good sportsmanship
Child development experts agree that positive reinforcement helps build confidence and resilience. When kids feel proud of progress—not just outcomes—they’re more willing to keep learning.
Parent tip: After a game, ask: “What’s one thing you did well?” You might be surprised by the answer.
Checkmate to the New Year 🎉
Our New Year chess resolutions are simple, joyful, and powerful:
✔ Learn new moves
✔ Have fun
✔ Think before we move
✔ Celebrate every win
They’re not just about becoming better chess players—they’re about helping kids grow into confident thinkers who enjoy learning.
Here’s to a New Year full of smart moves, happy moments, and plenty of fun at the chessboard with Little Darling Preschool. Start with your child’s first step at learning new moves and reaching their Chess goals in our Preschool Live Chess Classes at www.littledarlingpreschool.com. Get registered today so they can start the New Year off strong!
