I agree(Except for the distinction of boys and girls! They should be able to take on all roles, no matter their gender!).
- Give kids a real mentor, not only the imaginary mentor they get during childhood! Let them follow this charachter, at least of-map but preferably on-map! Give them part of the XP generated by the mentor so they have/gain some actual skill, not only extreme XP-multiplers during late childhood!
- Any role a NPC charachter can have, the ward should be able accompany! From here, AI levels the child in areas associated with the NPC role.
- Let the mentor define the culture of the child
- Kids are playable from 14 but except players actively selecting a 14-18 year old heir upon death of old charachter, they continue to follow their mentor untill they are 18.
- AI clans with no adult heir but kids 14+ are the exception. They will have an underaged leader.