doughboy, when i was 8 i had probabaly fallen out of countless trees, however im sure by that time my balance was great too. i think hes ready to be up in a stand about 15' get one of those two seater ladder stands... nothing beats that. i hunt with my 10 y/o cousin in a two person ladder stand. he coudlnt shoot anything because hes too young but he had a great time almost couldnt contain himself when i drew down on a 8 pointer. so i guess my point is this he is just fine in a tree. even a strap on tree stand. but if yoru going ground blind, do yoru self a favor have him help you build one! great bonding i think....