help and an excuse

Hey chess community, every time I enter this website (everyday) and I'm at home my mother bothers me and asks why are you wasting your time playing chess couldn't you do something more constructive? (coursework). But I normally just say yeah whatever, however sometimes i run out of things to say so this is my question does chess have any mental attributes which I can say I play it for?

hey H. just tell ur mum its good for the the grey matter cells in ur brain

lol

Here you go, for starters Chess teaches players: thinking ahead, planning, strategy, setting goals, and alternative goals...  Chess not only is a game, it makes you think and prepares you for meeting the challenges in this world.  If you don't have a plan, or set goals, or have alternate goals, you would be very hard pressed to succeed in the business world.

Remind your mom that most humans use a fraction of their brain's capacity; you are stimulating your brain and using more of it when you read, play chess etc. 

By the way, you should not view playing chess as an excuse; if you should be doing your school home work, then hop to it and get it done.  Your future depends on how well you do in school.  You play chess after the school work is done.  Get your priorities in order and you will do well.

I would agree with craftysusie about the helpfulness of chess. & I would agree with the idea that 1st comes school work. Look at the the chess games as a reward for having accomplished the school work, chores, & other necessities first.

Cheers,

Mike