Comment by mixmastamyk

I would install Mint with XFCE so the kid can learn what a traditional GUI looks like, and the benefits.

Assist them with installing the interesting programs, from Inkscape to Celestia to Geany and Python.

But first you’ll have to decide what to do about youtube. Most kids won’t do anything else once they find it. Keep them away from adults as well. Probably no internet at first.