pdzoch
Explorer
Lots of good suggestions so far. I'll add a different angle on the game. Think about how your boys interact with each other. Because of the age difference between the youngest and oldest, you may want to sit down with the oldest and remind him that the game is for everyone. The youngest may want to do things that the oldest disapproves of. And the oldest may become impatient of the youngest who is still mastering reading comprehension. While conflict among players in the game is not a new thing to the hobby, my experience with family members (I DM for a couple of large families, including my own) is that siblings are quicker to squabble when gameplay expectations are different. The oldest may naturally assume he is in charge (or whoever is you more "take charge kid"). Just like any new set of players, establish game conduct up front so the brothers do not carry their sibling issues to the table. The last thing you want to do is invoke your Dad powers as the DM (which will happen from time to time anyway, but you want to set the tone early so it doesn't become the norm).
Anyone who has DM for spouses has seen the same thing. The familiarity between players sometimes allows for quick tempers when their play styles clash.
I have waited until age 8 to start any children playing D&D. It just seemed and felt like the right developmental age. For younger children, the game will have to be simpler and the previous comments have provided tons of good advice to make it enjoyable and manageable for the youngest. For the oldest, he will want to get into the meat of it sooner.
Good luck with the game. DMing for your children is awesome! I'm already counting the days to DM for my grandchildren.
Anyone who has DM for spouses has seen the same thing. The familiarity between players sometimes allows for quick tempers when their play styles clash.
I have waited until age 8 to start any children playing D&D. It just seemed and felt like the right developmental age. For younger children, the game will have to be simpler and the previous comments have provided tons of good advice to make it enjoyable and manageable for the youngest. For the oldest, he will want to get into the meat of it sooner.
Good luck with the game. DMing for your children is awesome! I'm already counting the days to DM for my grandchildren.