My earliest memory of sewing was probably when I was 4. My Mom had a White machine and then that broke and she had inherited the old black singer with the gold scroll work. She had it rewired and a foot pedal attached and she still sews on that today. I learned to make pot holders first and then moved on from there. I have a daughter who started to dapple with the machine which was a cheap singer when she was 5. She is now 12 and let me just tell you she loves what the Bernina can do. She is intimidated by the Bernina though which is a good thing. Best to always be safe and cautious. But, I too say that if they show an interest then it is time to start makiing something. No matter how simple they will love it because they created it. :-) I know I always did and so did Katie. My son Buddy is 11 and is now asking to sew. Why NOT!!!! Time to get him started. Every man should be able to run a machine.