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I started my daughters with HeroClix and Star Wars Minis when they were 4 and 6... the little one didn't even know all her numbers, but the big one would help her. Now they are 7 and 9, we have moved on to the Star Wars RPG and Seven Leagues RPG, we were *supposed* to be playing Song of Blades and Heroes six months ago but this head injury thing slowed things up for us. I am guessing that my renewed interest in 40K and what they will instantly recognize as "space faeries" will prompt them to want to game in the 41st millenium with me as well. I started them very early, so reasing a stat line, or a weapon profile, and following a turn sequence is second nature to them. It has helped them in school as well.

So to all you parents out there, start your kids as early as possible. It will help them in ways you will never guess

On the flip side... Maybe you should also ask yourself, do you really want your son to get into war gaming with little soldiers? It can be an expensive hobby. The way things are going by the time he is grown up it will probably be £50 for a plastic land speeder and £6 for a 3ml pot of paint. Do you really want for him to wake up one day, 30 years old (probably in your basement) wondering why he's never had sex... and know it's all your fault!?

This may help (It's how i got into the game)

Have one of your friends that plays the game over. Have one or two quick, small games. Right when you are starting, tell your child that IF HE WANTS TO he can come watch (MAKE IT SOUND LIKE IT IS A PRIVELEDGE!) If he doesnt want to, go ahead and have a game anyways - he may change his mind.
If he does, watch his reaction during the game. If he seems interested, go ahead and explain some of the BASIC Rules to him (like someone else said Hitting and Wounding on 4+) Keep it SHORT! Its better if you stop it while he is still interested than if he looses interest.

Slowly, introduce more and more rules.

Number one thing to remember - MAKE IT SEEM LIKE A PRIVELEDGE! Little kids HATE Chores and anything that looks of feels like chores. They also like WINNING.

Is ten months to young to start with my son?

More seriously, I was a red shirt for gw and taught many children to play the game. It was my job to snare them, and teach the game/hobby. This was one of my favorite parts of working for them. Don't take it to seriouslly, play up the fun stuff like flame throwers and swords with built in chainsaws. Be sure to throw in one awesome thing like a drednought or heavy weapon. Stream line the rules at first in very small games. Don't worry about squads. Make it one roll to hit and to win to keep things simple.

After a game or two, keep the small scale but apply all of the basic rules. In my experince kids must be taught to think ahead to consider what the opponet will do, And what they plan to do in future turns. Becareful not to do thus pArt for them, but try to lead them into developing this pattern of thinking.

These thoughts Are just my opinion, but I saw these principles applied hundreds of times. I hope these thoughts help you and your son.

And to the dude w/ warning about the "dangers of gaming", if your not getting any, it's not the games fault. Otherwise how could all these fAthers be having this conversation about their progeny?

Thanks for the advice.

We managed to get through a game the other night without me wishing I’d not agreed to teach him, please remember its HIS idea to play not mine.

We played a small game with 10 marines each, spilt into 5 units of 2. All marines were armed with bolters just to keep it simple.

This worked out well, all the basic element of the game were covered, rules repeatedly demonstrated and finally understood. Even managed to point where to find each to the element in the book, if he choose to look into it further.

Just to encourage further games, I even managed to lose.

Next step variety within those 10 men, assault/heavy weapons etc.

You're on your way! Enjoy the ride...