Archery has been a vital element of human society for all recorded history. Nearly every culture has art, stories, media, and activities involving a bow and arrow, while some still rely on it for subsistence to this day. This importance makes passing on the lessons we take from archery to our children, but it can be hard to break through the noise and grab their attention.

---

 

Explain Your Passion for Archery

Showing enthusiasm is the quickest way to induce it in others. If you love archery, just spend some time discussing the aspects you love, displaying your favorite gear, and tell some stories that involve it. Feel free to frame archery in terms of subjects the youngster enjoys; You could examine the physics behind arrow flight for a budding scientist. Embrace any questions wholeheartedly, even if they seem sarcastic.

Find a Hero

Children transition from one media frenzy to another with rapid speed, but the motif of a heroic archer saving the world or a skilled hunter protecting and feeding their family are scattered consistently throughout it. A recent example would be the leading heroine from the Hunger Games trilogy, but classical ones like Robin Hood can have the same impact.

Make It Easy and Immediate

If you plan on introducing a child to archery, try to transition immediately from talking to action. Going out into the yard or to a nearby range then letting them have time with a bow is essential. If you don't have an appropriately sized tool for them, do your best to acquire or borrow one like the Bear Archery Firestar.

Bring in a Ringer

Sometimes, children are at the age where the idea of doing anything with a parent fills them with dread and a predisposition to assuming the worst. If they seem reluctant to take any suggestions from you are having little impact, try a more indirect route. If they have a "best" friend or group of friends, try introducing them to archery first. A favorite uncle or neighbor are other possible sources of aid.

Don't Give Up, but Don't Force It

A child may take to archery immediately, or they may never touch a bow aside from when you make them. It's okay to push an introductory session on a reluctant newcomer, but archery should never be forced unless it is required for survival. Rely on the human nature to explore and enjoy to bring them around eventually.