Help from my 10 year old.

[chanteyman]

So I took my 10 year old step-daughter out shooting with me today. She was having difficultly and I told her to come watch me, when I got to the part about telling how my drawing arm was in a straight line with my arrow, "No it isn't" is what I hear. I had my elbow up too high, and have had since I started shooting a month ago. SO I dropped the elbow and the groups got consideralby better.

That being said, my 10 year old is getting frustrated. She's only been out half a dozen times of so. And I try to explain that it's gonna take a while to get good, but by the end she was waiting in the truck while I shot some more. I want her to stay with it but I don't want to push so much that she doesn't want to go. Any input here would be appreciated.


Michael

[ishiwannabe]

Big targets, that show a hit. One of my favorites are balloons. They are easy to transport, and clean up. My nephew is about the same age and loves shooting at em with me.

[reddogge]

Yes, balloons are good for kids.  That and stuffed animals, foam animals from Dink's, etc.  The mistake you are making is you are just learning yourself and you are subjecting a 10 year old to your adult length shooting program and her concentration level is not up to yours.

Like training dogs, keep it short, fun and simple with kids.  When you are alone then put in the hours for yourself.

[bornagainbowhunter]

reddogge and Ishi are right, short and sweet. Show the kids that it really is fun. Use the baloons or cans. Hanging cans on a string from a tree is real fun for them to shoot. Don't hang them high, about eye level or lower is fine. When they see the can swinging from a hit, it just excites them.

[joevan125]

My daughter loves popping ballons with her bow and its the only way i can keep her focused while shooting.

She is only 6 years old so i hope it gets better in time.

[Jerry Wald]

Balloons and stumping or a romp in the bush...she might like the things you can teach her about making a leantoo - a one match fire - how to hear animals

Hotdogs or smokies over an open fire...then a MOVIE afterwards if she's still awake.    

just spending the quality time will do it in the long run.

It's like playing with horses. You have to become somebody they want to spend time with before the learning can happen...you need to earn it by being fun to be around and it looks like you are well on your way there...just shorter times on learning followed by things they love to do.

I am envious...would love my son to be 10 again..Jer

[mcgroundstalker]

A plastic milk jug and some rubber blunts works well for kids. Makes a thumping sound when hit and keeps 'em interested. Remember, keep the distance short. Don't be too critical of her "form". Now is the time for her to grow into it.

... mike ...

[Grey Taylor]

Be sure she has arrows that stick in the target. Kids get frustrated when they see their arrows bounce off and lay on the ground.
Depending upon her bow, some 1/4" shafts may be in order, if she doesn't have them already.

Guy

[Cyclic-Rivers]

When she goes to sit in the truck it may be time to pack up and get some ice cream, or since your in NY go get something more seasonal (hot chocolate or something)

Glad to see your getting youngsters out!