Trick to kids and their first rifle is to only let them shoot it at a deer. No range shooting. .243, 7-08, doesn't matter. To a little kid they all kick to much.

My son was 8 when I bought him his first deer rifle. It was a Ruger compact in 7-08. I wouldn't let him shoot it until we went deer hunting. All he got to shoot was my .22 which we practiced gun safety, target shooting, where to aim on a deer, etc. First two deer he shot he said he never heard the gun go off or felt the recoil. I can't believe he would have said that if he had been beat up with it at the range.

Just my two cents and experience.

As to the question, I think that would be an excellent choice. You can also get reduced recoil cartridges for that as well.