As one whose two kids (Ken and Dan Schatz) have both grown up to be folksingers -- and good ones at that! -- I would add that giving your kids plenty of opportunities to be surrounded by people having fun with folk music is one of the best ways to encourage them. The don't-force-it advice above is vital, but gentle encouragement is also important. If they see good people enjoying themselves with this music, they're likely to join in eventually. My boys went to every FSGW Getaway from the time they were toddlers till they went away to college, and they still come back whenever they can. Lots of folks remember Dan as the skinny little kid who always used to sign up to be first on the Saturday evening concerts. Ken bided his time, then suddenly burst on the scene as a fine singer of shanties and work songs. They are a great joy to me.

Cheers, Nancy