Parenting Rules of a Single Dad Whose Daughter Went to College at 11

(Dan Tri) - The story of a single father from America - Rafael Perales - is admired by many people.

Rafael Perales (51 years old)'s daily life revolves around his 11-year-old daughter's studies. Currently, Alisa Perales has graduated with two majors: mathematics and general science at Crafton Hills College (USA).

This fall, Alisa will begin studying computer science at the University of California - Riverside. Alisa started college at age 8. After 3 years of dual enrollment, she will be entering university at age 11, with the goal of working in the technology field.

Rafael Perales and his daughter Alisa (Photo: CNBC).

Alisa's father, Rafael, was a lawyer and they lived in San Bernardino, California, USA. He quit his job when his daughter was one year old so he could devote all his time to raising his daughter, especially since Rafael was a single father.

“My unwavering principle is: children come first. My daughter is more important than anything else, including myself,” said Rafael.

When he decided to quit his job, Rafael noticed that Alisa showed many special signs. She learned the alphabet early and could count to hundreds.

When Rafael decided to quit his job to focus on “full-time fatherhood,” he also had an adult son who had moved out and was financially independent.

So Rafael had to consider Alisa's interests. Initially, when Rafael first quit his job, financial matters were not easy for him. Without a stable income from his law practice, the two of them lived each month on the rent of a small house Rafael owned.

Even though he sometimes worries about money, Rafael believes that everything will be okay in the end and he will manage. Rafael also believes that devoting all his attention to raising his children is the right and necessary thing to do.

At age 2, Alisa was able to read on her own. Rafael homeschooled her until she was 8. Then she took the tests required by California state authorities to receive a high school diploma.

At the age of 11, Alisa Perales graduated from college (Photo: CNBC).

In the process of teaching his children himself, Rafael chooses textbooks and online materials based on his children's abilities and interests.

Every day, father and son study regularly from 8am to 4pm, five days a week. Along with helping his son maintain concentration while studying, he also makes sure that his son is not overloaded with studying.

After school, Alisa often goes to her friends' houses to play. Every Wednesday, father and daughter go to the park together, as a way to help Alisa really relax and have something to look forward to every week.

Alisa's trips are always cleverly integrated with interesting knowledge by Rafael. For example, when the father and daughter visit famous scenic spots, he will incorporate knowledge about history and geography.

Rafael said that the way he teaches his daughter is no different from the way he teaches in the American public school system, but they learn at a faster pace, because Alisa's learning ability allows it.

Currently, Alisa hopes to make many new friends during her university studies. After finishing school, she wants to travel around the world and then start a technology startup.

Because Alisa is still young, Rafael will continue to accompany her through her college years. He will continue to take her to school and possibly start a company with her. Therefore, Rafael cannot return to his legal career for the time being.

This fall, Alisa will start college (Photo: CNBC).

Rafael's story of raising his child is attracting a lot of attention. What Alisa has achieved is not only thanks to her outstanding intellectual ability, but also because Alisa has had the wonderful companionship of her father.

Many studies have shown that children's academic performance can be significantly improved when their studies receive regular attention from their parents. In addition, when parents are interested in their studies, children also have greater motivation and interest.

Parents having quality time with their children while they learn, play and entertain is the key to raising happy, confident and motivated children.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/quy-tac-nuoi-con-cua-nguoi-cha-don-than-co-con-gai-hoc-dai-hoc-nam-11-tuoi-20250818151355760.htm