OK, so you think encouraging society’s budding, next-gen politicos is actually a bad idea? Sure, especially after 2016’s most bruising of election years, it’s hard to blame you if you respond to your own precocious high-schooler’s dinner-table inquiries about the political process with something like, “Be afraid. Be very afraid.” Maybe you even find yourself sighing with relief as your child then re-disengages, puts his/her Beats back on and cranks up the volume.

Alas, like it or not, politics is part of the world our children will grow up in, and we do want the next generation to be prepared for whatever political mess they inherit from us. Besides, some may actually enjoy it. Perhaps, even – God, please, no! – make a career of it.

In that spirit, take a look at this first-person commentary in Chalkbeat Colorado, offering insights on making today’s teens (and younger) feel they have a place at the table and a voice that matters in American politics. Colorado Capitol lobbyist Zoey DeWolf, who also mentors high-school students, serves up some sound suggestions, including:

…Meet elected officials. Meeting state senators and representatives during their campaigns is often the easiest way to make contact. Attend a coffee event, a party meeting, or a fundraiser where students can introduce themselves and talk about their concerns. Encourage them to be more than just another face in the crowd.

There are plenty of young, local elected officials to learn from. Dominick Moreno, a prominent Senate Democrat on the state of Colorado’s powerful Joint Budget Committee, got his start running for class president as a high school sophomore. Still only 32, he has already served in the House of Representatives and as mayor pro tem of a Denver suburb.

Be sure to read the rest of DeWolf’s recommendations; here’s the link again. Better still, forward the article to your up-and-coming West Wingers.

Or, you always can lock them in their rooms for the next decade. So long as you are willing to foot the bill for their Apple Music, they may not notice.