Most moms probably have some degree of empty nest syndrome when their kids graduate high school.

That said, most moms are prepared and know it’s what’s best for their kiddo.

The mom in this story was not.

Keep reading to learn her reason for stalling her daughter’s next move.

AITA? I told my daughter not to bother applying for college

I have a 16 year old daughter.

She has a late birthday (early/mid December), so she is going into her senior year of high school.

She is a very smart girl and I’m proud of what she’s accomplished.

But she’s concerned.

But she’s also young and naive in a lot of ways.

She’s easily manipulated.

She doesn’t pay much attention to her surroundings.

She can’t stand up for herself.

She constantly still calls or texts myself and her father for help with things.

More recently, I’ve also been concerned about her doing dangerous things or submitting to peer pressure from her ‘friends.’

I’ve met them and they are not good kids.

I’ve told her to stop talking to them but she refuses and tries to go behind my back.

For these reasons (among others), her father and I have decided that we are not going to let her go off to college as long as she’s a minor under our care.

And her decision isn’t going over well…

This means that she won’t be going in fall 2025 2024 because she doesn’t turn 18 until that December.

I am not trying to stifle her, but I do want her to be safe.

She was recently talking about starting to fill out college applications and I told her not to bother.

I explained that we weren’t letting her go until she’s old enough to make that decision for herself.

She started crying and yelling at me but I refused to budge.

I don’t think I’m being unreasonable and honestly her reaction is more evidence of immaturity.

But apparently she texted her aunt who has been calling me an AH.

AITA?

Here is what folks are saying.

Good question.

Absolutely. She will never forget you did this to her.

I hope so! I think that’s why mom is delaying it.

Absolutely. How cold and controlling…

She doesn’t want her daughter to be liberated from her manipulation.

Good luck getting to see your grandkids, Mom.

No one thinks she’s got valid points on this one.

If you enjoyed that story, read this one about a mom who was forced to bring her three kids with her to apply for government benefits, but ended up getting the job of her dreams.