I know that you are busy. In order to save you time comparing sound quality and key weight on different keyboards all over town, I recommend:
At a middle of the road price, the CASIO CTK 3000 is the best beginning keyboard, appropriate for ages 5 – 7 for the first two years, 7-10 for the first year. It has no pedal function, but you really don’t need that until intermediate level. Its 9V AC Adapter goes for $25, which I recommend purchasing because it uses 6 AA batteries. Its User’s Manual can be found here (PDF).
A higher end keyboard is CASIO WK 225, appropriate for youngest beginners to intermediate young teens. It comes with AC adapter, but the pedal is sold separately for about $40. If you are ready for a long-term commitment or have many children who will learn to play, this is the best item for you. Its User’s Guide can be found here (PDF).
* The reason that Casio keyboards are listed an not any other brand such as Yamaha or Huntington is because Casio has heavier keys, meaning that they need more pressure to make a sound, which is more like an acoustic piano than the other brands. I am not compensated by Casio nor any company to promote their goods. This research is to help you and your family.
