Dope.
There are numerous benefits to learning an instrument ass a child - I started playing guitar somewhere between 10 and 12 (i don’t really remember when) and i think it’s certainly improved my life.
That being said, playing an instrument isn’t like a sport - there are something’s that are beyond the scope for the majority of most 5 and 6-year-olds.
Learning to play an instrument requires time - something we have an abundance of in our youth, so it makes sense to start when you’re young. But, how young is too young?
This is a hard question to answer - and it’s entirely based upon the individual. If your child can sit still for half an hour and focus on a task (that isn’t TV, a game console, iPad etc) then they’re probably at a point where they can learn an instrument. This isn’t to say if they cant, they shouldn’t start learning - this might help that process. It does however influence how they should learn the instrument.
There are two real ways to learn an instrument - especially in youth. There are books, and there are teachers. All things being equal, I think a professional in person teacher is the best option. However, not all teachers are created equal and sometimes there aren’t any teachers at all. A good teacher should be able to push a student, but also build solid technique and a hunger for knowledge. In the absence of, or in addition to, teachers there are countless books that are available.
Youtube teachers present an interesting middle ground - they show proper technique and often a breadth of musical instruments and styles. However, they can’t correct poor technique - such is the limitations of video (and to a lesser extent video meetings).
What the children get out of this additional education is invaluable. For me, playing guitar shaped the way i approach problems - there are often several ways to play something on the guitar, and this shaped my problem solving techniques. There are also benefits to mathematics, and linguistics - music is something of a language unto itself. Playing music with other people requires the development of non-verbal communication skills which help with verbal and written communication skills.
That being said, if your child doesn’t want to learn an instrument, don’t force them. Learning a new skill should spark joy, not resentment. Some people don’t want to make music - they might prefer to paint or use another aspect STEAM to express themselves. They might even want to learn how to play an instrument(s) later - it’s never to late to learn something new.
Ultimately, i think it’s important to support your childs interests - if that includes an instrument, all the better.
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