My children are still in.

When you have left the organization but your children are still Jehovah’s Getuigen, that can cause a lot of pain, fear, and helplessness. Perhaps your children are still minors and go with the other parent to meetings. Perhaps they are adults and have decided on their own to remain active. In both situations, you may fear losing them. Make a distinction between minor and adult children With minor children, you may still have a parenting and legal responsibility. With adult children, the choice about faith lies entirely with them. That difference matters. With adult children, you can express your concerns, but you cannot control what they believe. If you apply too much pressure, it may דווקא confirm what they may have learned about “opponents.” With minor children, you can set boundaries around matters that affect their well-being, safety, health, or development. In legal conflicts, individual legal advice is wise. Keep the relationship more important than the discussion You do not have to pretend that you agree. But not every conversation has to become a debate. Try to prevent contact from consisting only of conversations about: doctrine; wrongdoing; the governing body; disfellowship; contradictions; what they “need to realize.” Also talk about their daily life, school, work, hobbies, health, and plans. Show that your love is not dependent on their beliefs. That offers an important contrast when they themselves experience that relationships within the organization may be conditional. Ask open questions Open questions give more space than proofs and conclusions. For example: “How do you feel within the congregation?” “Do you feel that you are allowed to ask questions?” “What would happen if you thought differently about something?” “Do you feel free to make your own choices?” “What does this faith mean to you personally?” “Are there things you are worried about?” Listen to the answer without correcting immediately. Sometimes a safe conversation is more important than a convincing argument. Let them know that you remain available Say clearly: “You do not have to think the same as I do.” “You can always come to me.” “You do not have to choose between me and others.” “I will not reject you if you change your mind.” “Even when we differ, I will keep loving you.” Repeat this if necessary. Children may be under pressure to distance themselves and may need time to experience that your contact remains safe. Watch for fear and mental strain Take signals seriously when your child: is extremely afraid of Armageddon; feels constant guilt; believes they are never good enough; is afraid to ask questions; becomes depressed or anxious; does not dare to make social or medical choices freely; says they no longer want to live; is being pressured around baptism or disfellowship. With minors, you can seek help through a general practitioner, school, youth care, or another qualified professional. In immediate danger, prompt professional help is needed. Keep communication with the other parent businesslike In shared parenting, belief differences can escalate quickly. Try to keep arrangements written and concrete. Focus on: health; education; emotional safety; free access to information; contact with both parents; age-appropriate freedom of choice; privacy. Do not use children to pass messages. Do not speak dismissively about the other parent when the children are present. Gather information carefully When you are concerned about statements, pressure, or incidents, note down factually: date; what exactly happened; who was present; what the child literally said; what consequences were visible. Avoid interpretations in your notes. Factual record-keeping is more useful if professional or legal support is needed later. Finally You cannot change every belief your children hold. You can remain a reliable, loving, and safe parent. Make clear that your door remains open. Leave room for questions. Keep in contact where that is possible. A child who knows they can come to you without judgment always has a safe place outside the system.