If your child is a big chess fan, please follow these recommendations:
U.S. Chess recommends www.worldchesslive.com
This software for Windows is called “Dasher” and can be downloaded from the web site. Installation instructions are furnished. People can press “play against the computer”, and have a choice of a dozen programs of various difficulties.
If a person is a member of U.S. Chess, he/she can also play against live opponents, who range in ability from beginners to in most cases very competent. The service is free for 6 months.
People can join USCF at their website: www.uschess.org.