One of my grandaughters started at about 2yrs old sewing on my lap. She loved it so much that she continued sewing on my lap until about 5yrs old. Then I sat next to her and controlled the foot pedal but she controlled the material. I taught her to use scissors, and little pieces of fabric to sew off onto to controlling the thread just as I do. Before long she wanted to use the foot pedal as well. Somewhere I read to roll up a sock and stuff in between the footpedal so she could press down very far, as well as taping the pedal to a small stool so she could reach it. She sewed that entire summer that way and when she turned 6 she was tall enough for me to take the pedal off the stool and also lose the sock controlling the amount she could press down. She did great ! She is very responsible and can't wait till we live closer so she can sew more often. I say as many have already done---buy her a full size machine--or let her use yours. My dear Emily has always sewn on my expensive Pfaff and I have never regretted letting her do so.