I got my young girl on the back as soon as her legs could reach the pegs, but as said, the law here in Oz has changed recently so that the youngins have to be 8 yo now. Having your prodigy on the back does give you new insight on riding safely. That said, my girl loves going for a ride, especially through the twisites. She tells me she likes it when we 'flip flop through the corners'. We go out riding with a couple of friends who also take their girls for a ride and they love it. You should see the way they handle themselves when they get off the back at a pit stop and get the nod of respect from other riders. Full of confidence and that big beeming smile. New recruits in the making!