My dad started me out when i was about that age and he made me carry my gun unloaded for one year until i understood the responsibility and a bb gun for just shooting at birds around my house and at cans. If they ever get bored take them to a place you know they will see animals and dont scold them for coughing or sneezing in the deer stand or talking to loudly and take them something to do like a peice of paper and a pencil that they can draw wildlife pics on. Also encourage themto help conserve the outdoors and also teach them to know what hey shoot at. Alot of kids i know say they mistook the cowhorn for a big deer and shot at it at dark but really saw the deer for what it was and shot and to be proud of their kill if they are not proud of it then what is the use