For clarification: the kid is a boy. I would like for him to learn from the bottom-up (start at the beginning and work up from there). I will play a big role in his learning (scary, but I am a developer so I feel sort of qualified).
I think enthusiasm is more important than structure and curriculum both for 8 and 80 year-olds. Just plant the seed - if he takes an interest, he'll start learning on his own. When he comes up with interesting questions, you can start filling in the background he lacks.
That's what I plan to do with my kid. He's 2 years old, a little young for Python. But I have an OLPC, and I sit down with him while he pokes away at it. When the time comes, I will try not to be pushy or academic about it.
