My 6 year old niece absolutely loved this umbrella.  I gave it to her as a gift during the rainy season and she was so excited to have her own umbrella.  I did help her open and close it but after I taught her how to do it, she was able to do it just fine (in fact she couldn't wait to get out of the car and open it on her own!).  It's held up pretty well over the last 6 months but it's only been used a handful of times.  Won't do well in high winds, but works great for light rain.  I got her the matching rain boots as well.