George,
Every ones situation is different, so its hard to give truly meaningful advice on a forum such as this.
I will tell you this from personal experience, however.
No one ever suggested to me that I should take up playing music. I was not encouraged by any one in my family (non of whom played) , or any one else. The only reason that I started playing was that I was "obsessed" by The Animals' organist Alen Prices' playing on "House of The Rising Sun".As a result, I have enjoyed playing, off and on, since the early 60's.
Likewise, I never suggested to any of my three boys to play music, but my oldest son is an avid "barbershop" singer, and my middle son has become a good upright and fretless electric bass player.(We play together in "The Gin House Rockers")
The point is, if your kids really want to play bad enough, they will find a way. I am in no means suggesting that you don't support them in their efforts, however.
As far as what particular keyboard to use, Craig's suggestions seem good to me, but I would hasten to add that there is nothing better then a good sounding, well tuned acoustic piano. I started out on a Farfisa Combo Compact organ and have played it for decades, until I bought my first synth. I washed a hell of a lot of dishes at the neighborhood dinner for what seemed an eternity to earn the money to buy that organ, but I was useing it to make money soon after. My son only recently bought me my first real piano, a 100+ year old Weber upright. Cost him $50 and me $75 for a tune up. It is one of my prize possessions and I play it nearly every night.
The grandchildren are attracted to it as well so , for what it's worth,"there you have it".
your ol' pal
Howlin'J
P.S. Good luck with the new job.
