Ok, first let me say
BRAVO, I applaude the fact that some tweens are actually doing something useful in their free time like learning the basics of programming.
And no, 14 is actually the
perfect age to learn how to code with typical programming languages such as C++ and Java. I teach children whose ages vary between 6 and 12 on how to program LEGO Mindstorm NXT 2.0 blocks where they learn the basics of robotics using easy to use and connect entity blocks. This is similar to the GUI blocks that NI Labview uses to generate a virtual system such as a cockpit.
However, I highly disagree about starting with C++, Java, and pretty much every other programming language proposed. These langauges require that you first learn about the programming environment (how to debug your program, how to compile it, how to check for errors and trace them...). Besides, there are no programming manuals that are targeted towards your age. What's the solution?
MATLAB
Unlike every other langauge, Matlab has a nice "Command Window" where you can simply type each line of your program and view your result. You can actually learn the basics of programming because of easy to use plots where you can visualize what is happening in your code, whether it is a for loop or a while loop or whatever. Also, since Matlab is a powerful software package, you can develop practically a program to solve practically anything, from a financial balance sheet to a liscence plate tracker.
Furthermore, once you start programming with Matlab, you don't need to include the libraries that you need since when Matlab starts up,
all libraries are automatically included. You don't need to memorize each and every function available since the help engine that comes with the software can directly tell you which function to use and how to use it. So while you first start with simple programs like plotting graphs, you can later on develop games using the GUI application, and track your progress visually. After you become confident enough with your programming skills, you can jump to C++ and Java quite easily because you have mastered the basics of programming.
I'm suggesting the language just because I like it, but because Boston University students have actually seen the difference between starting to learn programming with C and with Matlab. Dr. Storm Attaway has developed a book for such purposes called
Matlab: A Practical Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving. I highly recommend it to learn the basics of programming, then you can switch to harder langauges like C++ and Java.
Don't hesitate to ask for help, just know that we are always here to help:)