I put my GSs on my lap and they sewed with me when they were three. I operated the foot pedal for a while, then they got the hang of it. They are nine and thirteen now and we still sew when we get together. The older one even blind stitched one whole side of binding on one of his quilts. Both of my sons wanted to sew, and still can. Now the girl was a problem. She couldn't sit still long enough but now that she is a thousand miles away, she wants to sew. And of course needs help.
kids and animals know a good thing, can't keep either one away from a quilt...