What it feels like being a chess mom - a nice interview

Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2011

Hello everyone,

Happy chess everyone and Happy Mother's Day everyone.
Just the occasion to share this lovely piece written by Claudia V. Muñoz – Mother of WCM Claudia Muñoz.


What it feels like being a chess mom

Being a chess mom has really been a blessing for me. I have experienced different types of emotions such as, amazement, nervousness, crying, happiness, and frustration but the most important - a closer relationship with God. I will be sharing in other articles some of my experiences in detail. As for now, I simply want to share with you what it has meant for me to be a ¨chess mom¨.

Being a Chess Mom means overcoming your emotions

The first time that I saw my beautiful, tiny, sweet, and calm daughter play her first game I was nervous. My nerves were EVERYWHERE watching her play, my heart pounding wanting to escape its place, I could hear my heart beat in my ears as I saw Claudia’s feet dangling from the chair. I would ask myself:

¨Will she move the knight correctly?
¨Will she say adjust? ¨
¨Will she remember to castle? ¨

Keep in mind that my insight in chess is only to the extent of her first couple of lessons. Will she remember to write her game? Will she lose on purpose if her opponent asks politely or cries?

Oh yes!! I can still remember that day!I say crying because seeing that tiny child with pig tails and missing teeth, of yours, win a first place trophy in a State Championship makes any mom very proud and emotional.

Being a Chess Mom means overcoming the obstacles others lay before your child

I have cried for the way other people have acted against my daughter but I will not get fully into this right now. The emotions of anger, frustration, and disappointment at how adults use chess politics to place speed bumps on other children have never affected my daughter. This is when we parents must take the time to use these experiences as educational lesson.

Being a Chess Mom is watching the relationship between my daughter and chess

It never ceases to amaze me how Claudia can concentrate and focus for three hours in a game. It is amazing how your child chooses not to watch television or go swimming in order to study a chess position. I am amazed at her dedication to be the best that she can be. I am also amazed at her ability to sit and absorb what her handsome coach (father) teaches her. I believe this is very important to both coach and student because that way your child feels everyone is on the same journey.

Being a Chess Mom is learning to tap into emotional strength needed to develop your child into a Champion

Being a chess mom means learning how to help your child overcome every emotional hurdle. In my personal journey I have learned to get that strength from God. This does not mean that we believe God chooses the winners and the losers on the board because that would be ignorant; what I mean is to build a relationship with God so that we can overcome obstacles.

Instead of worrying, I have learned to give Him my cares.

Instead of hating those that do your child wrong, I have learned to love them, forgive them and pray for them.

Instead of haughtiness, I have learned to become simpler and more humble, always willing to assist anyone who needs our help.

Believe me when I say that it takes practicing the word of God when all these situations arise. It is something that we can do. We are a family that truly believes in the verse

“You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.” Philippians 4:13.

So, all in all, a Chess mom is more than being a Chess mom, its preparing your child to be an over comer.

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From Alexandra Kosteniuk's

www.chessblog.com

Also see her personal blog at

www.chessqueen.com