Agree and disagree. The focus should not be on "code" but exposing them early on to problem solving:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvK0UzFNw1Q

If coding is the way to go to solve a problem then be it. If plumbing is the solution then that is what they should learn.

The key is to empower them to solve problems early on. The good news is that that can even happen in their backyard getting dirty.