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...