3. Parents' Support – Financial and Emotional

Every parent dreams of seeing their child become a Grandmaster or even a World Champion. There is nothing wrong with dreaming big.

The problem begins when parents think the journey will be a straight line.

In reality, it is never a straight line.
There will be ups and downs.
There will be victories.
There will be painful defeats.
There will be rating gains and rating losses.

There will be periods where the child improves rapidly, and there will also be periods where they feel completely stuck.

This is the nature of sport.

Parents also sacrifice a lot during this journey.

They sacrifice money.
They sacrifice time.
They sacrifice energy.

Many parents rearrange their entire lives around their child's chess career.

Because of these sacrifices, some parents become frustrated whenever their child loses games or doesn't achieve the expected results.
Unfortunately, many parents show that frustration to the child.

Sometimes it comes as anger.
Sometimes as disappointment.
Sometimes through constant criticism.
Sometimes by comparing their child with other players.

All of this only damages the child's confidence and mental health.

Parents should understand one important truth.

Just because you spend money, time, and energy does not mean your child must get results.

This is sport.
There is no guarantee.
Winning and losing are both part of the game.
No one can change that.

Many parents expect results simply because they have invested a lot.
But chess doesn't work that way.

Who will get better results? Those who try the most.

The player who consistently puts in more quality work over a longer period usually gets better results.

For example, if you prepare seriously for 1,000 games, naturally you may win many games, draw some, and lose many others.
But if you put in the effort required for only 100 games and expect the results of someone who has prepared for 500 or 1,000 games, that is simply not possible.

Chess rewards work—not expectations.

Parents should understand the nature of the sport and remain emotionally stable throughout the journey.

Another biggest mistake many parents make is interfering in the training process.

Many parents tell the coach what should be taught.
"Teach openings."
"Teach more tactics."
"Teach middlegames."
"Teach endgames."

If you already know how to train your child, then there is no need for a coach.

The parent's responsibility is not to become another coach.

The parent's responsibility is to find the right coach, trust the coach, support the child emotionally, and manage the financial side as much as possible.
Once you choose a coach, allow them to do their work.

Constantly interfering between the coach and the student only creates confusion.
It disturbs the training process.
It creates unnecessary pressure.
Eventually, it affects the child's progress.

Please don't ruin your child's chess career because of unnecessary involvement.

Your role is different.
Take care of your child.
Choose the right coach.
Provide emotional support.
Provide financial support whenever possible.

Then step back and allow the coach and the player to work together.
That is one of the greatest contributions parents can make to their child's career.

To be continued...
Part: 4. Coach and Mentor