@AdamRay, only you know your kids. I have 4, all certified just this year (diving for longer than that though). The younger 11 year old, I keep him very close. I don't go deeper than say 20', which is fine. He doesn't like hoods and normally wants to hold my hand (which is awesome). He's usually very excited with it all so honestly he's pretty worn out by the ~ 45 min mark. I agree with @Angelo Farina, the sooner the better, but take it slow... no need to rush, enjoy the 10' - 20' dives with them.
We all just dove the quarry 2 weeks ago. Had a blast, didn't go deeper than 23', didn't need to. If you stay shallow and ease into it, the mistakes that they'll make are no more dangerous than if in a pool. We just go out to have fun, heck sometimes we spend more time on top the water goofing off than we do under, lol.
Above anything else, keep it fun... diving has a serious side, but it should also be a lot of fun. My kids are forever stealing each others fins, looking at each other upside down... seeing how long they can "ride" on the other persons tank before they notice... just silly, clean, fun.. we check air often, we make sure everyone's with each other. It's one of the best investments I've ever made.
Edit: I waited until I was comfortable in the water (3 years) to get anyone certified.... including my wife.
We all just dove the quarry 2 weeks ago. Had a blast, didn't go deeper than 23', didn't need to. If you stay shallow and ease into it, the mistakes that they'll make are no more dangerous than if in a pool. We just go out to have fun, heck sometimes we spend more time on top the water goofing off than we do under, lol.
Above anything else, keep it fun... diving has a serious side, but it should also be a lot of fun. My kids are forever stealing each others fins, looking at each other upside down... seeing how long they can "ride" on the other persons tank before they notice... just silly, clean, fun.. we check air often, we make sure everyone's with each other. It's one of the best investments I've ever made.
Edit: I waited until I was comfortable in the water (3 years) to get anyone certified.... including my wife.