Learning - Singlehanded or with Dad?

I started by crewing for my dad in a Mirror in the frostbite series on the local puddle at 5ish, and then had a Topper from about 7.  But I never helmed the Mirror and don't remember learning to helm the Topper - it just sort of happened.  I then crewed for my dad at open meetings in his Condor, which I loved.  But the bit I can't remember is how I actually learned, and wasn't sure what the best way for my boys to learn is.  I think I'll tale them out in one of the club Oppies this year, then maybe get a Mirror next year (there's a growing fleet at Chew of new dads!).  Then shove them out in a Topper when they're about 7 and see if they can make it back again (a sort of maritime Spartan test!).

Chew runs junior weeks and training courses, so I guess that is the best way of formalising their learning later on.  I used to have an instructors ticket, but it lapsed long ago, and besides I don't think my sailing technique (seat of the pants) is the approved RYA method!  Much better to learn from someone who knows what they're doing...

Both. Mine love mucking around in whatever they feel like that day (Snark, Puffin, Mirror, tiny canoe or something from junior group), either with or without adult company, but also  enjoy racing the Firefly, even though I'm not the most relaxed of helms. 

I agree that good crews are generally also decent helms. But just because you are a competant helm that doesn't necessarily mean you will be a good crew. I see youngsters who follow the Topper-4.7-Radial-Full Rig route and arrive at age 18 having never sailed in a boat with a jib or another person. That can provide its own limitations.