I must second the motion to discard the bread machine! If you feel it is too difficult to do totally by hand I can suggest using your mixer with the dough hooks attached, if you have one. I use the Rapid-Rise yeast and follow their instructions for warming the milk and butter slightly before adding to the dry ingredients. It is no-fail and easier, but the end product is so nice! Plus as Jafo describes; the fun of making the dough into "shapes" with the children is such fun! Even if it is just to make dough balls for dinner rolls [to keep it simple].
P.S. When I make basic white bread I always use milk instead of water, and I add 2 eggs that I bring to room temperature before adding to the dry ingredients! This makes the bread more nutritious. My 8 yr. old was never a big bread eater, and since having my homemade breads and rolls simply tears into bread now like there is no tomorrow! And I delight in that since at that age they seem to have one empty leg anyway
