My youngest son was 6 when he started sewing. My sons have a lower-priced Brother they share, but both have used my Berninas and can perceive the difference! Sewing being only a "girl thing" is IMO an outdated notion that was ridiculous to begin with. In other cultures, sewing is not though of as feminine only. And think of all the American male quilting "celebrities": Kaffe Fassett, John Flynn, Ricky Tims...Why put all our baggage on our kids, limiting their creativity and artistic and professional choices starting at only 6 years old?!