How's it going, Dragon King? You're a brave man. I didn't take my kids fishing until they were about 4 years old.
The one thing you have to remember about taking a child fishing is, "Make it fun." Don't forget, you're not only spending quality time with your child & having a good time together, you're cultivating a future fishing partner of your own, here. So, you're going to want them to enjoy the total experience. Some general things to keep in mind:
1. Take them somewhere where they'll be sure to catch something. I know, as adults, many times we like to chase fish like largemouths or pikes... fish that are a challenge. But children neither want nor need any challenges. They just want to catch SOMEthing, and don't care about size or species whatsoever. So take them somewhere where you know there are a lot of bluegill or bullheads... two species that are notorious for biting any bait at any time.
2. If you have more than one child, keep your rod and reel in the vehicle. After all, the day is for them, & what better way is there to spend it than instructing them how to fish? Besides, you'll probably be doing most of the casting to begin with, you'll be the one to bait the hooks, & you'll be the one to dig the hooks out of the fish. There's also always going to be the inevitable tangles & line knots that occur that dad's going to have to resolve. You'll get your chance to fish when they get bored & want to play. Then you'll be fishing their equipment. If there's only one child, then, by all means, break out your own gear & go for it.
3. Give them other things to do. Speaking of playing, the kids are going to want to do that when they get bored (and they WILL get bored, whether the fish are biting or not). So, if you're fishing from shore, try to take them to a place like the McHenry Dam or the Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve here in northeastern Illinois, where there's a play area close enough for you to keep a watchful eye on them, with swings, slides, teeter-totters & other things for them to horse around on. If you take them out in a boat, let them bring a favorite toy or two, a favorite hand-held video game, or even some Crayolas & a coloring book. That way, when they get bored, they can go do another activity, then come back & fish with dad for awhile, then go back to the other activity, etc. You'll find, as they get older, that the time spent at the other activities shortens, & the time fishing lengthens.
4. Bring treats, drinks, & maybe a coffee can (or small bucket) & some TP. Try to remember that the people you're with are children. They're going to get hungry, they're going to get thirsty, & they're going to need "hygienic relief" (to put it as politely as possible). The two places I mentioned (the dam & the forest preserve) have facilities close by the water. But there may not be where you're going (or, if you take the boat... you know). Plan for these needs ahead of time.
5. Eat at least a treat out. At the end of the fishing trip, a nice cap-off, if you can afford it, is a stop at the local Dairy Queen or Mickey D's for some ice cream, or maybe even a meal. It's a great end to their mini-adventure.
These are the general rules I lived by when my guys were small. As a result, we not only had fun back then, but they're all in their late 20as & early 30s now, & they all like fishing. Hope I've helped you out. Keep the line fresh, the hooks sharp, & let us know how your fishing trips with the little guys go. God bless you all. -Sonny, Life Member since 2002