Father Sabotages His Daughter to Miss College Application Deadline Because She Didn't Choose the University He Wanted

A father decided he could control his daughter’s future by holding the money hostage, and it blew up in the worst way. The daughter stopped speaking to him for a whole year, and when she finally did reach out, it was too late to fix what he already did.

Here’s the messy setup: she wanted to apply to a local community college, but he insisted on a state university, threatening to pull college funds if she didn’t comply. So she submitted her application without his financial information, and even after he “approved” her plan, she still couldn’t start the next semester. That delay became the spark for the next fight, and the silence that followed got louder with every passing month.

Now he’s stuck questioning himself, and the moment his son said he missed his sister is the part that makes the whole story feel even uglier.

The OP asks:

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The OP said his daughter hasn't spoken to him for a year:

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Parental expectations can heavily influence a child's choices and mental well-being. Research from the University of Toronto shows that children who perceive their parents' expectations as unrealistic often experience increased anxiety and lower self-esteem. This pressure can lead to rebellion or avoidance behaviors, particularly when children feel their autonomy is threatened.

In this case, sabotaging a college application may reflect the daughter’s resistance to parental control rather than a lack of ambition.

The OP and his daughter disagreed about her university preference:

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The daughter wanted to apply to a local community college:

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But the OP wanted her to attend a state university, or he wouldn't give her college funds:

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So, she submitted the forms without his financial information:

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That standoff over the state university versus the community college is where this father’s power move starts to look less like “help” and more like sabotage.

To foster healthier relationships, open communication is essential.

They approved her request, but she wasn't able to begin in the following semester:

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It created a new dispute between her and the OP:

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When she submitted the forms without his financial information, it wasn’t just paperwork drama, it was her way of taking control back.

Instead of dictating choices, parents can involve their children in the process, allowing them to weigh options and consequences. This strategy can help reduce feelings of resentment and encourage a more cooperative relationship.

Moreover, providing unconditional support regardless of the child's choices can enhance their sense of security and confidence in decision-making.

This is similar to the AITA where one person refused to lend money to a sibling’s risky business after family pressure.

A year later, the OP started questioning his actions:

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A Redditor said the OP's actions were very wrong

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The Psychological Impact of Sabotage

Sabotaging a child’s future can have long-lasting psychological effects.

The OP just forgot about his daughter

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It seems like the OP doesn't care about his daughter

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Even after he approved her request, the missed start date turned one college application disagreement into a real, irreversible consequence.

Redditors were shocked after reading the OP's story. They agreed that the OP was in the wrong for his stance.

They couldn't help but notice that the OP started questioning his actions only after his son said he missed his sister. It seems like the OP completely forgot about his daughter, which is the worst aspect of this story.

The OP is definitely YTA

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He should have supported his daughter's decision

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Another Redditor agreed

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The OP deserved to be cut off from his daughter's life

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The OP sabotaged her

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It's judgmental and controlling

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It's the worst possible thing that a parent could do to a child

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He caused her to miss the entire semester of school

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It's terrible

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A year later, the fact that he only started questioning himself after his son said he missed his sister tells you everything about how long it took him to realize he messed up.

The situation presented in this story underscores the essential need for balance between parental expectations and a child's autonomy. When a father actively sabotages his daughter's college application process because she did not select the university he desired, it raises significant concerns about the dynamics of their relationship. This incident illustrates how the pressure of parental control can lead to a breakdown in communication and trust. It highlights the importance of fostering an environment where children feel empowered to pursue their own aspirations. By embracing open dialogue and respecting individual choices, parents can cultivate a supportive atmosphere that not only nurtures their child's growth but also strengthens family bonds. In this case, the father's actions not only jeopardized his daughter's future but also risked damaging their relationship irreparably.

He didn’t just miss a deadline, he traded his daughter’s future for his own stubborn control.

Want another family blowup, read why someone refused to repay her sister’s luxury vacation loan.