AITA for saying ‘No child support, no opinion’?

In a tangled web of family secrets, a 17-year-old flips the script on their biological father. After years of denial, he’s confirmed as their dad via DNA test, but his attempt to play parent—criticizing their romance novel—gets a fiery response: “No child support, no opinion.” Stung, he retreats, leaving the teen questioning if they went too far.

This isn’t just a witty comeback; it’s a bold stand for respect and accountability in a messy family dynamic. Readers will cheer the teen’s spunk, wondering how they’ll navigate this awkward new father-daughter tie while holding firm to their boundaries.

‘AITA for saying ‘No child support, no opinion’?’

A 17-year-old’s biting retort to their newly confirmed father’s parenting attempt—“No child support, no opinion”—is more than a quip; it’s a boundary set against an absent parent’s overreach. After denying paternity for years, his sudden attempt to control their reading choices feels intrusive, especially without emotional or financial investment.

This situation reflects a broader issue: late-entering parents often struggle to earn authority. A 2023 study in the Journal of Family Issues found that teens resist uninvolved parents’ directives when trust is absent, prioritizing autonomy. The teen’s clapback, while sharp, asserts their right to define the relationship on their terms, given his lack of involvement.

Dr. Joshua Coleman, a psychologist specializing in family estrangement, advises, “Absent parents must earn influence through consistent, humble engagement, not demands.” The father’s criticism of a romance novel—a harmless choice for a near-adult—oversteps, ignoring the teen’s maturity. The teen could soften future conflicts by saying, “I’m open to knowing you, but parenting me now feels forced without a real bond.” This sets expectations while leaving room for connection.

To move forward, the teen might reflect on what relationship, if any, they want, perhaps discussing with a trusted adult or therapist to process the family’s complex history. Encouraging the father to share his perspective—without judgment—could build understanding, but only if he respects their boundaries.

Here’s how people reacted to the post:

Reddit lit up with cheers and sharp takes—here’s the community’s fiery feedback:

These bold reactions fuel the debate, but do they guide the teen’s next move? Reddit’s energy is electric, yet their path needs a personal spark.

This teen’s razor-sharp comeback to their absent father is a masterclass in setting boundaries, proving youth doesn’t dim courage. Their story challenges us to demand respect in tangled family ties. Readers, have you faced an overreaching relative? How did you hold your ground? Share your stories below—let’s rally behind this bold teen!