Amen.
Dad was a Marine, Korea.
I started shooting so early I do not recall how young I actually was but it was before school. First was bb, then .22 rifle, then a H&R 8 shot .22 revolver. Only then did I go to a shotgun, a .410 double barrel which was mine on my birthday at the ripe old age of... 8.
To this day I can outshoot damn near anyone that cares to walk up and give me a try. This P.O.'s some of my friends as I never practice. And all because dad had the good common sense to get me started before mom could "make up her mind" as to when I should.
Evidently, "when you should" is about the same time a kid learns to talk pretty well, can understand what a firearm is when it's killing power is clearly demonstrated (actual hunting). For me that was about the same time as when I learned to swim, about four I would estimate.
For boys I would suggest mom is informed, not asked.
Hell no....”you’ll shoot your eye out!” Ha hahahahaha!!!
Where are you in Texas?