I know what all of you mean with watching kids around sewing machines. During the 70s (I think) my 8 or 9 year old son put his foot on my Elna foot control and ran it until it wouldn't. Imagine that with a threaded Elna--ruined the timing and did something to the bobbin thingy to the tun of $45 back then. He mowed yards to pay for that little trick, and won't touch one of my sewing machines to this day.....
And I still leave mine plugged in and ready to go unless we are looking for a nasty storm here in TN. Oh yes, Iforgot to mention that I recently watched my 10 year old GGD do the same thing to a Singer when I was there visiting in March. I stopped her in time to prevent any damage and she got one good lecture, for what good that will do.....