Please don't take offense at this post but IMHO until a child can shoot at least a 30-30 with no problem and consistantly hit a 3 inch target at 100 yards, you are asking for trouble. An 8,9,10,11 year old child is too young period. Take them with you a few years and when they turn 12, start them shooting. Practice, practice, practice. Then put a real rifle in there hands when both of you are totally in-synch. The child will get just as much fun on the "hunt" as actually shooting. Kids have been traumatized when killing something as a child. You may want to consult an expert on the subject. Regards, Rick.