It is funny you mention your mothers influence. My mother was also very in to politics. I still have her “I like Ike” button!! My strongest early political recollection is John F. Kennedy. I was sitting in class when the announcement was made about the assassination. It was heartbreaking watching the coverage for days. After that tragic event I became more involved in reading and following anything to do with politics.
My family was involved in politics for generations, so I grew up listening to the adults discuss politics with each other and also with their friends. I found it fascinating and learned a very great deal.
I started paying avid attention to politics at a very age and when I was 10, was reading the NYC newspapers; especially the Sunday ones, after my parents were finished with them...and NOT just the funnies section; but the news sections.
I raised my progeny the same way.
Sadly, there is SO much that my grandson should NOT hear, on the news now, that this generations old indoctrination can no longer be kept up; however, was both shocked and pleased at just how much he knows, at 10, and flabbergasted to hear that he follows Trump on TWITTER. :^)
I’ve got my Mom’s “I like Ike” button too, and a bunch of Nixon buttons ;)