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### Family Divided as Mother Blocks Naive Daughter’s College Ambitions

Well, that sounds …

Discussing with your child the readiness for college?

This mother might have been making the appropriate decision…right?

Possibly not…

Explore her narrative below and form your own opinion.

“I am a 35-year-old female with a 16-year-old daughter.

My daughter’s birthday falls late in the year (early/mid December), so she is entering her final year of high school.

She is undeniably intelligent, and I take pride in her achievements. However, she also exhibits youthful naivety in various aspects.

It appears she harbors doubts about her daughter’s preparedness…

She is susceptible to manipulation, lacks awareness of her surroundings, struggles to advocate for herself, and frequently seeks assistance from me and her father.

Lately, I have become increasingly worried about her engaging in risky behaviors or succumbing to negative influences from her ‘friends’.

Despite my advice to sever ties with them, she adamantly refuses and resorts to secretive behavior.

They have taken a firm stance.

Due to these concerns (and others), her father and I have resolved not to allow her to attend college while still a minor under our guardianship.

Consequently, she will not commence college in fall 2025 2024 since she does not reach the age of 18 until that December.

My intention is not to hinder her growth but to prioritize her safety.

She communicated her decision clearly.

Recently, when she mentioned initiating college applications, I instructed her not to proceed.

I clarified that she would not be going until she is of legal age to make that choice independently. Despite her emotional outburst and protest, I remained steadfast.

I believe my stance is reasonable, and her reaction only reinforces her immaturity.

However, she confided in her Aunt, who has since criticized me harshly.

Am I the antagonist in this situation?”

Here’s how Reddit users responded.

One commenter labeled her as unreasonable.

Source: Reddit/AITA

Another individual raised a pertinent question…

Source: Reddit/AITA

A different Redditor attributed the issue to the parents.

Source: Reddit/AITA

A Reddit user suggested that they might be inhibiting her independence.

Source: Reddit/AITA

While another commenter raised a valid argument.

Source: Reddit/AITA

The situation does appear somewhat severe…

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