My Boy is 14. Been taking him bowhunting since he was 9. I would hang a stand about 8 feet up right under mine on the same tree. After I got him all belted in I would continue up the tree. I only took him early season when it was warm and only made him stay as long as he wanted to. I never saw a deer when he was with me but I cherish every day we went together. (He couldn't sit still). If taking him with me at a young age guaranteed me I would see no deer, I would take him every day.