Advice requested on training with young teens

[knightmare999]

I took my kids to the gym on several occasions before they were teens. My two oldest dudes just started high school: one is playing JV football and the other asked if he could lift with me. I've always talked to the kids about nutrition and exercise, to some degree, but I've stepped up the conversations to dive deeper into things like amino acids, glycogen, using foods to manipulate insulin, etc (progressively; we have a great relationship and chat a lot). Additionally, I'll talk about muscle groups, physiology, and encourage not taking my word for everything and instead tell them to study and research for themselves.
We focus on form over poundage, but the dude is taking things seriously and showing improvements in form and strength. I have no intention of pushing my kids to their physical limits at 14--I'm really just proud of their interests and work ethics. I'm excited and grateful to have the opportunity and influence to support the foundation of my guy's training habits.
I was squatting (with admittedly poor form... I thought I was squatting) at 15 and, by 16, was training seriously towards increasing my max lifts. I've done some research on the topic but am interested on what the brothers here have to say about the topic.
Everybody is different, and every body is different, but what are indicators and "mile markers" that suggest a growing young teen is physically ready to train for power lifting? Any suggested books or papers I should read?
Any additional insight is welcomed and appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

- Knightmare

 

[eazy]

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[eazy]

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[1bigun11]

Why are you insecure about what you are doing so far? Why do you need a book to tell you what you already seem to know and be doing?

 

[BigChief1]

Need to determine if your kiddos are just looking at getting stronger for powerlifting before a successful plan can be built. Sports (especially football) is training for strength, agility, and speed. Equal emphasis is placed on all three.

So weights, plyometrics, and speed drills all need to be incorporated into a well designed program.

I was never taught nutrition until later on in life. Basically all I was taught was up the calories when trying to gain and lower them if your are dropping weight. Teaching a kid proper nutrition and eating for function will put them light years ahead of the rest I believe. It’s just something that’s never talked about.

 

[CJ]

Just make sure it's for for them, so they don't wind up hating it.

 

[Gadawg]

If youre worried about any danger to them, like that old bullshit about stunting their growth, dont be.

Even intense weight training is safe for all ages.

Outside of that, youre their dad who knows about this stuff. Have fun with em and dont worry.

 

[Santa]

They’re kids. Teach them the basics. Gym etiquette, proper form, some basic nutrition, how to talk shit, and how to not get spotted checking out the chick on the squat rack.