24-year-old books solo trip after graduating college, parents give her silent treatment as a result: 'They started yelling at me like I'm some 14-year-old'

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Ally Perry • Writer and Editor
Sep 5, 2026 12:30 PM EDT

Should an adult child always have to take their parents' opinion into consideration when they make decisions?

Of all the transitions that happen during the parenting journey, one that doesn't always get the most attention is the shift from kids to young adults and, eventually, full-blown grown-up people. It is a change that many would argue happens gradually, which can make it more difficult to spot when it is happening, but it is also one of the most important parts of the life process. This is, surely, the whole goal of being a parent.

You might think that proof you have done your job right should be satisfying for parents, but that isn't always the case. In fact, there are some who find it profoundly unsettling when their adult child starts doing normal, adult things without their express permission or involvement. They panic when they lose total control over the life of their kids, even if what they are doing is nothing out of the ordinary. While it is only natural for a parent to be concerned about their children, there is a fine line between worrying and wanting to overrule their own free will, leaving them stunted and unable to grow as a person.

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  • A young woman smiles and swings her hair while walking through a city street.
    via Bishka Nguyen

    A young woman smiles and swings her hair while walking through a city street. Image for illustrative purposes.
     

  • A young woman had just graduated from college and wanted to go on a vacation to a city she had been to before to celebrate. The trip she planned ended up being solo, as other people were busy.

    She didn't see the problem with her plan, but when she told her parents, they were extremely upset that she would even consider such a thing. She lived with them, and was dealing with the fallout of her announcement for days afterwards. She wasn't sure if she had done something wrong.

  • Am I wrong for booking a solo trip that led to the biggest fight I've had with my parents?

    24F, just graduated uni and I had a horrendous state exam to prepare for. I promised myself that if I pass I'd book a trip abroad to go to an event I've always dreamed about. I didn't tell anyone about this idea I had because I felt that I'd jinx it. Another thing I should add, I studied in the same city I'm from and my parents told me that I could keep living with them. We are pretty close
    via here0for6memes
  • knit so I agreed. I'm very thankful for that as it allowed me to put some money aside. I still contribute to the household, buy groceries, clean, cook for everybody and so on. So anyway, I passed my exam, got my degree and booked the trip as a reward. None of my friends or family could come with me on such a short notice so I decided to go on my own. It's a city I've been to
    via here0for6memes
  • twice before and I felt safe there, so I think I can manage on my own even though it would be my first solo trip. Then I told my parents about my plans and they just flipped. And I have supposedly "cool" parents. They started saying that I'm crazy, how could I do that, what am I thinking going alone. And if it was just worry I'd understand them. But no, they straight up just
    via here0for6memes

  • Her parents couldn't accept her independence.

    started yelling at me like I'm some 14 year old. They told me how I didn't respect them because I didn't run this decision by them first, that I'm not considering their feelings at all and that they have always considered mine (not true lol), that I've offended them, that if had postponed that trip they could have come with me. They've been giving me the silent treatment for 2 days now,
    via here0for6memes
  • treating me like I don't exist. I've tried to explain why this is so important to me but it's like talking to the wall. Instead of being happy with my graduation everybody is miserable now. This has never happened between us before and I really don't get what I did so wrong. So yeah, maybe I wish for another parent to chime in and help me see if I'm really in the wrong here. And yeah AITAH?
    via here0for6memes
  • A young woman smiles as she stands in a city street.
    via Bishka Nguyen

    A young woman smiles as she stands in a city street. Model portrayal.
     

  • She shouldn't lower herself to their level.

    Ezekiel_gb4m The best response to silent treatment (which is a highly manipulative move by them) is to pretend like they aren't there. It's difficult but go about things as if they're not there. Stop looking at them, stop trying to talk to them, put on a pair of headphones if it helps but put them out of your mind and carry on with your life.
    via Ezekiel_gb4m
  • Be ready to talk when they are. But talk is a 2-way street. Also, if they ask why you were not engaging with them, tell them you were giving them the space they needed. Be polite but unapologetic. BTW NTA!!
    via Ezekiel_gb4m
  • ptprn11 Parents understandably worry about their kids, but they have completely gone overboard. They're trying to control you with the silent treatment and punish you because they feel hurt. I think it's a great opportunity for you to establish yourself as an independent adult. That's what you're supposed to do.
    via ptprn11

  • Their reaction didn't make sense.

    baboonontheride NTA- I'm confused as to the reasoning behind the parents being upset.. you're an adult, you paid for the trip yourself, where's the conflict here?
    via baboonontheride
  • Existing_Hatter546 You're 24, you're not 14. You don't need to run a trip by your parents. NTA
    via Existing_Hatter546
  • teeniemcsqueaks NTA and move out, like now.
    via teeniemcsqueaks

  • She should focus on her achievements.

    Slinkystonermom Congratulations on the exam and graduation!! Take the trip. Minimize what you tell them in the future. Let someone you trust know of your plans on this vacation.
    via Slinkystonermom
  • Beth21286 Sounds like they don't like not having control over you. Where you go is none of their business, youre a grown woman paying for it yourself.
    via Beth21286
  • Complex_Cow1184 You did nothing wrong here. If you're as close as you say you are with your parents, sit them down and ask them why they're so upset. Don't blame yourself. They're reacting badly to nothing at all.
    via Complex_Cow1184

  • The parents needed a reality check.

    Edcrfvh NTA. Going on a solo vacation is fine. You can do what you want when you want. Understand your parents worry but they're handling it poorly.
    via Edcrfvh
  • Spiderplanty You need to move out. They need to realise that you are a full grown adult! You are not a child under their roof, you are a grown up living with them and paying your share and doing your part. They have 0!! Rights to decide anything at all about what you do. So please move out....
    via Spiderplanty
  • theDagman NTA - They are projecting with that disrespect comment. They are the ones who are not respecting the fact that you are a grown woman, and you answer to no one. Go on your trip and enjoy yourself, in spite of them. They will get over it once they get used to the idea that you are not a child any longer.
    via theDagman

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family drama solo travel graduation daughter
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