My Husband Insists Our Daughter Stop Using Period Products Because They Make Our Sons Uneasy

One of our readers encountered a challenging situation when her daughter began menstruating, which made her two teenage sons uneasy. To add to the tension, her husband supported their sons’ feelings, leaving both the reader and her daughter feeling hurt and frustrated.

One of our readers contacted us to share her story.

We recognize that this is a challenging situation, and we’d be happy to provide some advice to help you navigate it more effectively.

Engage in a conversation with your sons.

Set aside some time to sit down with your sons and have an open discussion about what periods are and why they occur. Foster a comfortable environment where they can ask questions without fear of judgment. You might even think about using educational videos to explain menstruation in a clear and straightforward way. The more they learn about it, the less awkward or uncomfortable it will feel, and they’ll begin to see it as a normal part of life rather than something strange or unpleasant.

Reassure your daughter that periods are a normal part of life.

Make sure to let your daughter know that what she's experiencing is perfectly natural and nothing to be embarrassed about. Remind her that her period is a normal part of life and she has every right to feel comfortable in her own home. Encourage her to talk to you whenever she feels upset or uncomfortable, and reassure her that you’re there to support her no matter what.

Encourage your husband to support you in this situation.

You and your husband need to be on the same page when it comes to supporting your daughter. Emphasize the importance of her feeling safe and accepted at home, particularly during her period. Suggesting that she hide what she’s experiencing could make her feel embarrassed about something entirely normal. By showing support for her, he sets an example for your sons, teaching them to respect women and recognize that menstruation is just a natural part of life.

Teach your kids to resist peer pressure and ensure it doesn’t influence how they treat others.

Your sons could easily slip into the habit of making girls feel embarrassed about their periods if they don’t understand it properly. At the same time, your daughter might start feeling self-conscious around her friends if she thinks periods are something to hide. Teaching them early on about respect and understanding can prevent this and create a more supportive environment for everyone.

Make talking about periods a normal and open conversation.

Rather than treating the topic as uncomfortable, introduce it casually during everyday conversations. For example, when discussing health or errands, you might say something like, "I need to grab some more pads while I’m at the store." The more natural and open you are about it, the less awkward or unusual it will feel for everyone.

Summer is meant for relaxation, enjoying the sun, and feeling great after putting in the effort to achieve that perfect beach body. However, one of our readers experienced an unexpected twist. While she felt confident in her new bikini, her friends and their husbands disagreed, asking her to cover up. This request created a significant issue that overshadowed the entire trip.