Chess Club, First Attempt

My sweet Jackson has inherited quite a few of my qualities. I’m sorry to report that some of these are not the greatest. Crazy hair, exceedingly fair skin, and orthodontic needs come to mind. As well as a slightly ridiculous amount of caution.

You see, I prefer the known and reasonably predictable. I don’t particularly enjoy trying new things. I wish I did, but that’s not who I am. I have to force it. And sadly, Jackson is the same way. Only most of the time, he is not willing to force his own exploration of the new. Usually, it’s forced upon him. Sorry kid. You’re just like your mother.

Today we went to our local library to check out the chess club for the first time. When I first posed the idea to the children, both were interested. But by the time we arrived at the library, Jackson didn’t even want to come into the room. Since that wasn’t an option, he stood sulking behind the observation chairs. Parker sat next to me, anxiously awaiting his introductory chess lesson. I pointed out the pieces, told their names, and the way that each one moves. Which is the extent of my chess knowledge.

Soon, a library lady came over to get Parker and another boy, and sat with them at the nearest table. Leaving one empty seat next to Parker.

Jackson sat down next to me and asked, eager to leave the room, “Can I go look at books?”

“Sure. You can check out the Series of Unfortunate Events, book 2.” By the way, we read the entire first volume today, and are all excited about getting on to the next one. I’m pretty sure we’ll be done with it tomorrow, and back at the library looking for the third installment on Thursday.

Anyway.

Jackson protested that he wouldn’t know where to look for it, even though he knows perfectly well how to find things with our library’s computerized catalogue. Seeing an opportunity, I said, “Okay, you stay here while I go look. Or… you could sit at the table with Parker. Just so he doesn’t worry when I leave.” A pretty transparent suggestion, considering that Parker isn’t much for worry.

I left the chess room, found our next literary adventure, and checked it out. When I returned, I found that Jackson had actually taken the bait! For over an hour I watched him and Parker soaking up new knowledge, engaged and excited, triumphantly expanding their horizons by embracing something new.