sfmans.
My point exactly. Just introducing a child to music at an early age is a wonderful thing to do. (However painful it might be at the start) And admit it you're not going to give an expensive instrument to a 7 year old. But, I remember hearing Andy Cutting starting out on melodeon (12/13?)...He hasn't done so badly has he?
My first live musical experience was Dad playing the piano at home when I was a kid. Never took it up, but was fascinated by it.
The Ukelele seems admirably suited for kids, who can pretend to be guitarists and still reach the frets. Whats wrong with that?