@Borek. I like the proverb that "A model is a lie that helps you see the truth", but of course, I don't want to create misleading and lasting models. What do you think about this simplification. Is it stretching it too far?
They are young boys, and I wonder about saying something like that: «When a hydrogen atom is stripped of its electron, it's like someone would strip them of their pants: They would do anything to get back their pants back, and so would the hydrogen atoms. So therefore H+ ions bond with many substances.»
I am a neophyte myself, so I try to learn as I go. Input and suggestions are much appreciated.