AITA for Denying My Daughter Money to Start a Business Instead of College?
AITA for refusing to fund my daughter's business dream over college? Opinions are divided on whether to prioritize education or support her passion.
Some people don’t recognize a favor until it’s gone. In this Reddit post, a 50-year-old dad thinks he’s doing exactly what he promised, pay for his daughter’s college. But his daughter, 18, has a different plan, she wants to build a business instead.
The complication is that money is not the real battlefield, it’s the principle. He worked hard and saved for her tuition, then hesitated when she admitted she has no experience and wants funding for a business venture. She fires back that it’s her dream, calls him controlling, and even suggests he’s not supporting her.
Now the family argument is stuck on one question, who gets to decide what “stable” looks like when you’re 18 and your future is on the line.
Original Post
I (50M) have always believed in the value of education. So when my daughter (18F) graduated, I offered to pay for her college tuition.
But she surprised me by saying she wants to start a business instead. I was hesitant as she has no experience and college could provide valuable skills.
For background, I worked hard to save for her education. When she insisted on the business, I told her I wouldn't fund it.
She got upset, saying it's her dream. I explained the risks and suggested starting part-time while attending college.
She accused me of not supporting her and called me controlling. I feel torn between supporting her dream and wanting her to have a stable education.
It's not about the money, but the principle. So AITA?
Comment from u/PancakeQueen2000
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This mirrors an AITA where a friend kept asking for more money and the refusal sparked major fallout.
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He offered to pay for college tuition, but the second his daughter said “business,” the whole plan fell apart.
When she insisted it was her dream, he doubled down on risk, experience, and the “skills” college would supposedly give her.
That’s when she accused him of not supporting her and labeled him controlling, right after he refused to fund the business.
The argument now circles back to his saved tuition money, her part-time business idea, and whether he’s being protective or unfair.
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section.
He might be trying to buy “stability,” but she’s hearing “shut your dream down.”
Before you judge, see if asking a teen daughter to pitch in at home is fair in this AITA family debate about financial responsibility.
