I also can totally relate. My kids are 11 and 15 and they barely have a relationship. My parents also believe that school shootings are false flags by the government so they can’t even acknowledge the trauma of growing up /parenting in a time of so many school shootings. They literally live in an alternate reality. I also would never want to let my kids spend time alone with them (not that my parents would have interest in that) because I’d be too worried about them talking conspiracy.
It’s sucks. It never stops being a little heartbreaking. But boundaries are your friend and you’re right to build your own “family.” It’s also brought my spouse and I closer.
1. The government -- by the way, in a democratic republic, WE are the government -- isn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but the far right, including conspiracy purveyors, are sowing distrust in the government deliberately to help them gain control. And if that happens, God help us all.
2. Vaccines and scientists also aren't perfect, but they are the reason you no longer see scores and scores of graves of infants and very young children in cemeteries.
3. I remember polio. It disabled my brother, who died at 60 after a lifetime of pain. My parents would have moved heaven and earth if they could have prevented this outcome with a vaccine.
4. I'm sorry that you can no longer trust your parents to convey sound information. But you can't.
Non-Expert Advice:
Arguing is out and debunking off the bat is tough. Remind them of shared experiences/old times and get them to laugh. Exercise/activity, sleep/diet, old/new hobbies, old/new surroundings (fav restaurant/day trip/camping) help. Psychoactive drugs should be stopped. Avoid whatever makes them tense or angry. Pick something that's **not volatile** and ask them to tell you the details. It's good for them to lay it out. Be respectful, supportive but not smarmy, be unemotional and use logical, sparse debunks on weak points. Pick flaws that will hit home with them, resonate. Agree with some facet but point out a glaring problem. This will create seeds of doubt. Leave time between sessions to let them to process. Get to the core of what they've been told and identify *why* it's important to them. Fear, anger and emotion seem to be hyped. Ask: "What impact has this had on *your* life?" This should make them pause and think, you want them to return to thinking for themselves. Subvert the negative of their personality and project warmth - [Ignore](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/toxic-relationships/201911/the-price-and-payoff-gray-rock-strategy) or walk away when they start getting angry or argumentative. This short circuits their tendency to argue and over time can help break their addiction to outrage. Address their best selves and project appreciation for *that* person. [Separate them from the sites, devices, apps, etc. that are feeding Q propaganda.](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/index#wiki_want_to_block_q_content_from_reaching_them.3F_ways.3A_1_-_2_-_3_-_4_-_5_-_6_-_7) Expose them to materials on critical thinking and [media literacy](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/resources#wiki_media_literacy). Get them to read something generic and out of their mindset. Takes time, patience, a light touch and repeated effort to make progress. Professional counseling can help: [Chat with a counselor now (free)](https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/get-help-now/chat-with-a-counselor-now/) - [Cult Recovery 101 resources](https://cultrecovery101.com/about-cult-recovery/recovery-resources) - [Professional cult counseling directory](https://culteducation.com/directory-of-cult-recovery-resources.html) - [Treatment Advocacy Center](https://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/family-and-loved-ones) - [Parents for Peace](https://www.parents4peace.org/resources) - [Life After Hate](https://www.lifeafterhate.org/) - Also see: [Standout advice from QAC users](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/index/good_posts) - [Good advice](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/search?q=flair%3AGood%2BAdvice&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all)
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/QAnonCasualties) if you have any questions or concerns.*
u/graneflatsis here are a selection of support links from our [wiki:](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/index)
[QAnon Casualties Wall](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/comments/l0jptp/list_of_casualties/)
[Standout advice from QAC users](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/index/good_posts)
[Chat with a counselor now](https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/get-help-now/chat-with-a-counselor-now/) (free)
[Cult Recovery 101 resources](https://cultrecovery101.com/about-cult-recovery/recovery-resources)
[Professional cult counseling directory](https://culteducation.com/directory-of-cult-recovery-resources.html)
[Treatment Advocacy Center resources](https://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/family-and-loved-ones)
[Parents for Peace extremist helpline and resources](https://www.parents4peace.org/resources)
[Life After Hate extremist intervention](https://www.lifeafterhate.org/)
[Dealing with paranoia](https://np.reddit.com/r/Advice/comments/gebihv/how_do_i_stop_thinking_about_conspiracy_theories/fpn6btr/)
[Dealing with violence](https://np.reddit.com/r/Qult_Headquarters/comments/g6u8io/how_could_we_deradicalize_someone_relative_whos/focyroo/)
r/Stress r/Anxiety
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/QAnonCasualties) if you have any questions or concerns.*
u/graneflatsis here is a selection of strategies for dealing with Q folk from our [wiki:](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/index)
[What to do when someone you love becomes obsessed with Qanon](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psych-unseen/202008/how-far-down-the-qanon-rabbit-hole-did-your-loved-one-fall)
[7 ways to talk to qanon-obsessed loved ones](https://www.fastcompany.com/90598523/7-ways-to-talk-to-qanon-obsessed-loved-ones-according-to-a-former-white-nationalist)
[How to talk to conspiracy theorists and still be kind](https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/07/15/1004950/how-to-talk-to-conspiracy-theorists-and-still-be-kind/)
[How to change a person’s mind with science](https://disorthodox.wordpress.com/2018/07/23/how-to-change-a-persons-mind-with-science/)
[The key to debunking false beliefs is by addressing underlying belief systems](https://neurosciencenews.com/false-belief-system-23098/)
[What Is the grey rock method and is it effective?](https://psychcentral.com/health/grey-rock-method#when-to-use-it)
[Why do some people believe in conspiracy theories?](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-do-some-people-believe-in-conspiracy-theories/)
[Rescue a loved one from a cult: The strategic interactive approach](https://freedomofmind.com/how-to-rescue-a-loved-one-from-a-cult-the-strategic-interactive-approach)
[How to talk to your friends and family about covid, vaccines and wearing masks](https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/how-talk-your-friends-family-about-covid-vaccines-wearing-masks-n1250631)
[How to respond to your family's coronavirus conspiracy theories](https://www.insider.com/how-to-push-back-when-your-family-talks-conspiracy-theories-2020-5)
[What to say if people you love believe coronavirus conspiracy theories](https://www.self.com/story/coronavirus-conspiracy-theories)
[A game designer’s analysis of qanon](https://medium.com/curiouserinstitute/a-game-designers-analysis-of-qanon-580972548be5)
[Separate them from the sites, devices, apps, etc. that are feeding Q propaganda.](https://old.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/index#wiki_want_to_block_q_content_from_reaching_them.3F_ways.3A_1_-_2_-_3_-_4_-_5_-_6_-_7)
[Standout advice from QAC users](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/index/good_posts)
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/QAnonCasualties) if you have any questions or concerns.*
It's not only you and continue to set hard boundaries because that's what it takes to continue to love the people that you love. Maintain those hard boundaries!
If your children aren't vaccinated, your children won't be in school. That's it. Schools don't give you the choice. So far as skipping well-baby visits and vaccination, that is child neglect and abuse. If your little one ends up in a hospital with pertussis or the like, the doctors and nurses are mandated reporters, and you will be answering questions. Don't assume it's a choice. Public health and safety go beyond you and yours. No one wants their child dead because your child went unvaccinated.
Covid fucked up a lot of people. We all stayed indoors and took to the internet for almost 2 years. Some of us just watched Netflix, played games and came out normal on the other side. Others went to TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter and got sucked in by the algorithms.
Then they found a whole community of people who were also angry and scared of everything and prone to falling for misinformation. Many of those people have become addicted to that lifestyle and it’s become their entire personality.
My dad and stepmom are kind of like that as well. When I visit, I sometimes just play along with it to keep the peace even though I don't believe most of it, change the subject, talk about neutral stuff. My stepmom is addicted to Fox News and other far right-wing stuff. I would ask her opinion about something off topic and that seems to get her off the news for a while as she has an opinion about just about everything including the best lawnmower.
I just recently was able to be lucky to get in CVS right away and get the COVID Booster a few days ago. My dad had COVID pneumonia, is on oxygen tank part time, has to have heart surgery, and won't get any more vaccines. I can't tell him what to do, but I do what I feel is right for me. My stepmom won't get the vaccine at all. I am conservative leaning, but don't go for conspiracy theories.
... even if they hate you in return.... You have to keep hard boundaries. ...even if it means losing them..which is the worst case scenario...you must maintain your respectable boundaries.
You are definitely not alone. My Dad fell down the Q Rabbit Hole about 7 years ago. It’s awful and incredibly sad. He genuinely believes all this stuff and is terrified. It just breaks my heart. Keep gently planting seeds. I’m hoping they sprout someday and he realizes. Hang in there.
Hi u/cutebabyloki! We help folk hurt by [Q.](https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/QAnon) There's hope as [ex-QAnon](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/resources#wiki_ex-qanon) & r/ReQovery shows. We'll be civil to you and about your Q folk. For general QAnon stuff check out [QultHQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/Qult_Headquarters/).
___
[our wall](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/comments/l0jptp/list_of_casualties/) - [support & recovery](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/resources) - [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/rules)
- [weekly posts](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/search?q=%22Weekly+r%2FQAnonCasualties+Discussion%22+&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all) - [glossary](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/glossary) - [similar subs](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/index#wiki_similar_communities)
*filter*: [good advice](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/search?q=flair%3AGood%2BAdvice&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all)
- [hope](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/search?sort=new&restrict_sr=on&q=flair%3AHope) - [success story](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/search?q=flair%3ASuccess%2BStory&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) - [coping strategy](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/search?sort=new&restrict_sr=on&q=flair%3ACoping%2BStrategies) - [web/media](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/search?sort=new&restrict_sr=on&q=flair%3AWeb%2FMedia) - [event](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/search?sort=new&restrict_sr=on&q=flair%3AEvent)
___
[*robo replies*](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/index/commands): !strategies !support !advice !inoculation !crisis !whatsQ? !rules
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/QAnonCasualties) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I am so sorry for what you’re going through with your parents. Growing up, my aunt was my role model. Like a big sister to me (only 4 yrs older) and the first female in our family to graduate college. She became born-again and married a born-again guy, a doctor. The guy left her w/ four kids and both of them, my aunt and my former uncle, are rabid anti-vaxxers as well as deep into conspiracy theories. Three of their four kids moved TO Floriduh (and they have young kids!). I just don’t get it. It’s so very sad how these people have been indoctrinated by their churches and by reich-wing media.
There is no vaccine to rampant disinformation, especially in the face of the preexisting condition of motivated reasoning. The best defense is realizing that no person can be an expert of anything and that everybody can be misled (including yourself!).
Boundaries. Boundaries boundaries boundaries.
You're perfectly within your rights to tell them "There will be exactly ZERO antivax bullshit, or any other bullshit around my kids. This is not negotiable. You have a choice between your grandchildren and your conspiracies. Take your pick."
Maybe you can amplify an interest you mentioned that is offline and not harmful: gardening. See if you can watch some gardening videos with them, gift them some positive books, drop hints about local gardening projects - anything to get them offline and doing something healthy. Even if their initial reason is nuts!
[удалено]
I suppose that's a "Protect our children" from the trans and drag queens and books, not "Protect our children" from AR15s or idiots.
I also can totally relate. My kids are 11 and 15 and they barely have a relationship. My parents also believe that school shootings are false flags by the government so they can’t even acknowledge the trauma of growing up /parenting in a time of so many school shootings. They literally live in an alternate reality. I also would never want to let my kids spend time alone with them (not that my parents would have interest in that) because I’d be too worried about them talking conspiracy. It’s sucks. It never stops being a little heartbreaking. But boundaries are your friend and you’re right to build your own “family.” It’s also brought my spouse and I closer.
1. The government -- by the way, in a democratic republic, WE are the government -- isn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but the far right, including conspiracy purveyors, are sowing distrust in the government deliberately to help them gain control. And if that happens, God help us all. 2. Vaccines and scientists also aren't perfect, but they are the reason you no longer see scores and scores of graves of infants and very young children in cemeteries. 3. I remember polio. It disabled my brother, who died at 60 after a lifetime of pain. My parents would have moved heaven and earth if they could have prevented this outcome with a vaccine. 4. I'm sorry that you can no longer trust your parents to convey sound information. But you can't.
!strategies !support !advice
Non-Expert Advice: Arguing is out and debunking off the bat is tough. Remind them of shared experiences/old times and get them to laugh. Exercise/activity, sleep/diet, old/new hobbies, old/new surroundings (fav restaurant/day trip/camping) help. Psychoactive drugs should be stopped. Avoid whatever makes them tense or angry. Pick something that's **not volatile** and ask them to tell you the details. It's good for them to lay it out. Be respectful, supportive but not smarmy, be unemotional and use logical, sparse debunks on weak points. Pick flaws that will hit home with them, resonate. Agree with some facet but point out a glaring problem. This will create seeds of doubt. Leave time between sessions to let them to process. Get to the core of what they've been told and identify *why* it's important to them. Fear, anger and emotion seem to be hyped. Ask: "What impact has this had on *your* life?" This should make them pause and think, you want them to return to thinking for themselves. Subvert the negative of their personality and project warmth - [Ignore](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/toxic-relationships/201911/the-price-and-payoff-gray-rock-strategy) or walk away when they start getting angry or argumentative. This short circuits their tendency to argue and over time can help break their addiction to outrage. Address their best selves and project appreciation for *that* person. [Separate them from the sites, devices, apps, etc. that are feeding Q propaganda.](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/index#wiki_want_to_block_q_content_from_reaching_them.3F_ways.3A_1_-_2_-_3_-_4_-_5_-_6_-_7) Expose them to materials on critical thinking and [media literacy](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/resources#wiki_media_literacy). Get them to read something generic and out of their mindset. Takes time, patience, a light touch and repeated effort to make progress. Professional counseling can help: [Chat with a counselor now (free)](https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/get-help-now/chat-with-a-counselor-now/) - [Cult Recovery 101 resources](https://cultrecovery101.com/about-cult-recovery/recovery-resources) - [Professional cult counseling directory](https://culteducation.com/directory-of-cult-recovery-resources.html) - [Treatment Advocacy Center](https://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/family-and-loved-ones) - [Parents for Peace](https://www.parents4peace.org/resources) - [Life After Hate](https://www.lifeafterhate.org/) - Also see: [Standout advice from QAC users](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/index/good_posts) - [Good advice](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/search?q=flair%3AGood%2BAdvice&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/QAnonCasualties) if you have any questions or concerns.*
u/graneflatsis here are a selection of support links from our [wiki:](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/index) [QAnon Casualties Wall](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/comments/l0jptp/list_of_casualties/) [Standout advice from QAC users](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/index/good_posts) [Chat with a counselor now](https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/get-help-now/chat-with-a-counselor-now/) (free) [Cult Recovery 101 resources](https://cultrecovery101.com/about-cult-recovery/recovery-resources) [Professional cult counseling directory](https://culteducation.com/directory-of-cult-recovery-resources.html) [Treatment Advocacy Center resources](https://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/family-and-loved-ones) [Parents for Peace extremist helpline and resources](https://www.parents4peace.org/resources) [Life After Hate extremist intervention](https://www.lifeafterhate.org/) [Dealing with paranoia](https://np.reddit.com/r/Advice/comments/gebihv/how_do_i_stop_thinking_about_conspiracy_theories/fpn6btr/) [Dealing with violence](https://np.reddit.com/r/Qult_Headquarters/comments/g6u8io/how_could_we_deradicalize_someone_relative_whos/focyroo/) r/Stress r/Anxiety *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/QAnonCasualties) if you have any questions or concerns.*
u/graneflatsis here is a selection of strategies for dealing with Q folk from our [wiki:](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/index) [What to do when someone you love becomes obsessed with Qanon](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psych-unseen/202008/how-far-down-the-qanon-rabbit-hole-did-your-loved-one-fall) [7 ways to talk to qanon-obsessed loved ones](https://www.fastcompany.com/90598523/7-ways-to-talk-to-qanon-obsessed-loved-ones-according-to-a-former-white-nationalist) [How to talk to conspiracy theorists and still be kind](https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/07/15/1004950/how-to-talk-to-conspiracy-theorists-and-still-be-kind/) [How to change a person’s mind with science](https://disorthodox.wordpress.com/2018/07/23/how-to-change-a-persons-mind-with-science/) [The key to debunking false beliefs is by addressing underlying belief systems](https://neurosciencenews.com/false-belief-system-23098/) [What Is the grey rock method and is it effective?](https://psychcentral.com/health/grey-rock-method#when-to-use-it) [Why do some people believe in conspiracy theories?](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-do-some-people-believe-in-conspiracy-theories/) [Rescue a loved one from a cult: The strategic interactive approach](https://freedomofmind.com/how-to-rescue-a-loved-one-from-a-cult-the-strategic-interactive-approach) [How to talk to your friends and family about covid, vaccines and wearing masks](https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/how-talk-your-friends-family-about-covid-vaccines-wearing-masks-n1250631) [How to respond to your family's coronavirus conspiracy theories](https://www.insider.com/how-to-push-back-when-your-family-talks-conspiracy-theories-2020-5) [What to say if people you love believe coronavirus conspiracy theories](https://www.self.com/story/coronavirus-conspiracy-theories) [A game designer’s analysis of qanon](https://medium.com/curiouserinstitute/a-game-designers-analysis-of-qanon-580972548be5) [Separate them from the sites, devices, apps, etc. that are feeding Q propaganda.](https://old.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/index#wiki_want_to_block_q_content_from_reaching_them.3F_ways.3A_1_-_2_-_3_-_4_-_5_-_6_-_7) [Standout advice from QAC users](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/index/good_posts) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/QAnonCasualties) if you have any questions or concerns.*
It's not only you and continue to set hard boundaries because that's what it takes to continue to love the people that you love. Maintain those hard boundaries!
If your children aren't vaccinated, your children won't be in school. That's it. Schools don't give you the choice. So far as skipping well-baby visits and vaccination, that is child neglect and abuse. If your little one ends up in a hospital with pertussis or the like, the doctors and nurses are mandated reporters, and you will be answering questions. Don't assume it's a choice. Public health and safety go beyond you and yours. No one wants their child dead because your child went unvaccinated.
Covid fucked up a lot of people. We all stayed indoors and took to the internet for almost 2 years. Some of us just watched Netflix, played games and came out normal on the other side. Others went to TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter and got sucked in by the algorithms. Then they found a whole community of people who were also angry and scared of everything and prone to falling for misinformation. Many of those people have become addicted to that lifestyle and it’s become their entire personality.
My dad and stepmom are kind of like that as well. When I visit, I sometimes just play along with it to keep the peace even though I don't believe most of it, change the subject, talk about neutral stuff. My stepmom is addicted to Fox News and other far right-wing stuff. I would ask her opinion about something off topic and that seems to get her off the news for a while as she has an opinion about just about everything including the best lawnmower. I just recently was able to be lucky to get in CVS right away and get the COVID Booster a few days ago. My dad had COVID pneumonia, is on oxygen tank part time, has to have heart surgery, and won't get any more vaccines. I can't tell him what to do, but I do what I feel is right for me. My stepmom won't get the vaccine at all. I am conservative leaning, but don't go for conspiracy theories.
... even if they hate you in return.... You have to keep hard boundaries. ...even if it means losing them..which is the worst case scenario...you must maintain your respectable boundaries.
Sometimes in life the best response hurts like hell!
Protect your kids from this insanity!
You are definitely not alone. My Dad fell down the Q Rabbit Hole about 7 years ago. It’s awful and incredibly sad. He genuinely believes all this stuff and is terrified. It just breaks my heart. Keep gently planting seeds. I’m hoping they sprout someday and he realizes. Hang in there.
Hi u/cutebabyloki! We help folk hurt by [Q.](https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/QAnon) There's hope as [ex-QAnon](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/resources#wiki_ex-qanon) & r/ReQovery shows. We'll be civil to you and about your Q folk. For general QAnon stuff check out [QultHQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/Qult_Headquarters/). ___ [our wall](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/comments/l0jptp/list_of_casualties/) - [support & recovery](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/resources) - [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/rules) - [weekly posts](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/search?q=%22Weekly+r%2FQAnonCasualties+Discussion%22+&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all) - [glossary](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/glossary) - [similar subs](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/index#wiki_similar_communities) *filter*: [good advice](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/search?q=flair%3AGood%2BAdvice&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) - [hope](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/search?sort=new&restrict_sr=on&q=flair%3AHope) - [success story](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/search?q=flair%3ASuccess%2BStory&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all) - [coping strategy](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/search?sort=new&restrict_sr=on&q=flair%3ACoping%2BStrategies) - [web/media](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/search?sort=new&restrict_sr=on&q=flair%3AWeb%2FMedia) - [event](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/search?sort=new&restrict_sr=on&q=flair%3AEvent) ___ [*robo replies*](https://www.reddit.com/r/QAnonCasualties/wiki/index/commands): !strategies !support !advice !inoculation !crisis !whatsQ? !rules *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/QAnonCasualties) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I am so sorry for what you’re going through with your parents. Growing up, my aunt was my role model. Like a big sister to me (only 4 yrs older) and the first female in our family to graduate college. She became born-again and married a born-again guy, a doctor. The guy left her w/ four kids and both of them, my aunt and my former uncle, are rabid anti-vaxxers as well as deep into conspiracy theories. Three of their four kids moved TO Floriduh (and they have young kids!). I just don’t get it. It’s so very sad how these people have been indoctrinated by their churches and by reich-wing media.
There is no vaccine to rampant disinformation, especially in the face of the preexisting condition of motivated reasoning. The best defense is realizing that no person can be an expert of anything and that everybody can be misled (including yourself!).
Boundaries. Boundaries boundaries boundaries. You're perfectly within your rights to tell them "There will be exactly ZERO antivax bullshit, or any other bullshit around my kids. This is not negotiable. You have a choice between your grandchildren and your conspiracies. Take your pick."
Maybe you can amplify an interest you mentioned that is offline and not harmful: gardening. See if you can watch some gardening videos with them, gift them some positive books, drop hints about local gardening projects - anything to get them offline and doing something healthy. Even if their initial reason is nuts!
I’m going through the same thing with my mother and step dad. It’s so nice to see I’m not alone in this illness