Kids dad here. When it was time to do images, I figured something like photoshop would be way too much for him. So I found a browser based sprite editor. The 32x32 grid simplified things and actually helped him.

Then one day I explained how the animation worked in the Piskel app (it had layers and frames). I came back an hour later and he had that flying snake that absolutely blew me away. He originally had it at 4 frames we gave him feedback that he needs more frames to be smooth. He upped it to 8.

The graphics is where had the least guidance from parents. We were focused on the code/logic aspects.

You'd be surprised what kids are capable of. An 8 year old could easily create pixel art like this with the right tools.

We had art lessons in primary school back in prehistoric times when I was that age (sixty years ago). Plenty of us could create more complex artwork than that.

On paper, his art skills are quite underwhelming compared to what I've seen other kids do. So yes, totally agree with you.

Also 32x32 limited reduces complexity a lot when trying to make a visual.

I learned how to use Autodesk animator on DOS when I was 7 years old. Then again, I have been a geek all my life.