JEFF- I can only speak for my own experience. Like Totally ADD - I was born and raised up in the Jehovah's Witness cult. It was REALLY difficult as my dad was one of the " star " elders in our geographical area constantly too busy on " shepherding " calls in the 1960's & 1970's to spend much time with me - yet he demanded the utmost compliance from me in devotion to the JW cult.
In 3rd grade I was expected to lead a flag salute in front of 300 other classmates on the stage and I told my teacher I couldn't do it. I wanted to get out of it. But my dad told me " all you have to do is just lead the flag salute and introduce it , but don't say the words and don't put your hand over your heart " . I said, " In front of 300 students and people ? " He said, " you can do it " . I never forgot how stressful and traumatic that was for me- an 8 year old boy. Also I was sent to sit at the school office when my classmates had Birthdays or Halloween celebrations. My teachers had to make other work assignments in grade school for me when the other children were cutting and working on Christmas assignments. It was ridiculous. Kids always asking me " why don't you celebrate Christmas " ?
So by the time I reached High School although I was good and indoctrinated as a newly baptized JW - I still had non-JW friends at school, my JW mom didn't mind because they were good guy friends I had who I played tennis with outside of school. But my elder dad was still a hard ass and wouldn't let me go out for the high school baseball team as a freshman as he said " it would keep you from attending Tuesday night meetings due to baseball practice " . So I wasn't allowed to go out for ANY sports in High School. My baseball coach was pissed off at my dad because back then I had really good baseball skills as a hitter and was a great outfielder. It totally frustrated me. Also my dad didn't like that I wore my hair somewhat longer. Read me scriptures that as an elders son I had to set an example and that I was " stumbling " other teenagers by my example. Then I read him back the scripture in Romans " Who are you to be judging the house servant of another " ? Of course- that went over like a lead balloon !
By age 18 I escaped and got out of my dad's house as soon as I could , then finally married young at age 19 - totally too young to marry but like most young JW's - the only way to " legally " have sex and not get dfed in the organization. Tried pioneering and the ministerial servant dance - but got tired of the politics, finally escaped the organization at age 44. It was a frustrating, stifling Mr. Toads wild ride - believe me. Glad I've been out for 15 years ! Freedom is sweet. Being a teenager is hell as a JW if you have one of your parents who is very controlling. My elder dad was. But hey ! At least I can wear my hair any length I want to now ! lol