I (18M) left the church about a year ago, and it’s been a pretty big disappointment for my TBM mom (48).
Shortly after I told my family I was out, we were talking about my future; where I might go to school, what I want to do with my life, etc. The conversation eventually shifted to if/when I have kids someday. She looked at me and said that she would teach them about Jesus and the church because I had left.
I was caught off guard and told her I’d really rather she didn’t do that. She started crying pretty quickly after, which she often does whenever the church or religion in general comes up in our conversations. I felt awful about it (who doesn't feel terrible about making their mom cry).
This wasn’t the first time something like this has happened, but it’s definitely the weirdest. It’s like she’s already grieving the grandchildren she doesn’t even have yet, and mourning the fact that they might not be raised Mormon. Has anyone else dealt with this kind of “I’ll get them in the church for you” mindset from family? How do you set boundaries with them without it turning into an emotional guilt trip every time?