This depends on the language of the protective order, and whether the judge has allowed for communication with the children in question. In most cases, a protective order is granted to one adult against another and a child or children are not part of the protective order proceedings. The protective order, if awarded, would only preclude the respondent from contacting the petitioner but not their children. The court can add language to the order that specifically permits limited contact between the parties pertaining to the child.