I have a daughter turning 9 this month and one turning 11 next month. Both of them have been sewing on their own Janomes since they were 5. The machines have a button that regulates speed and at the slowest speed, it goes 1 stitch per second. I set their machines next to mine and then we started work on the same project so they could see and do as I did. Before they were 5 I gave them hand sewing projects. I still give them hand sewing projects alongside their machine sewing projects and they have fun. I think it's important to hone a hand sewing skill so they always have that into adulthood. Because we homeschool, I give them sewing lessons throughout the summer as part of their home economics class.