Historically, before TV, recordings etc., people entertained each other. My depression era friends and relatives all have a new joke to tell, a funny story, or have memorized poem or piece to recite. They play music and sing. They have a new game to introduce. These folks are not the most talented people in the world, but they recognize that it is an important part of society to share what they do can. They make mistakes; they don't play great, but they have a smile, humble dispositions, and love to laugh. These people are not showing off; they are sharing their small talents with friends and family who want to be entertained. I think most children growing up with these examples would want to join in and share because that is part of family and community life.
Now we have professional entertainment and the flip of a switch. I think that has changed a lot because we do not have to entertain ourselves and we have very high quality performers to compare outselves to. So if a family turns off the London Symphony CD to hear their 5 year old, the comparison is sort of in her face that she isn't that good. This is fundamentally different than having Uncle Harry say, "Honey, can you pick up your fiddle and play harmony on this one?"
I think the key is that is isn't just the kids "performing." Families need to turn off the media and enjoy each other. Adults need to share their talents and let the kids join in. KWIM?
