5 days ago
This father-son duo in the pad aisle is breaking a generations-old taboo
A dad and his tween son stand in the menstrual products aisle, scanning the shelves. The camera's rolling.
'Find it uncomfortable to get your wife pads? That's because your dad never normalized it with you,' the dad says, turning to his son. 'We're here getting pads for the wifey, right buddy?'
'Yep,' the boy replies with an easy smile.
It's a simple exchange in a TikTok that's been viewed more than two million times—but for many, it's the kind of moment they wished they'd seen growing up. A moment where care is shown without embarrassment, where a child learns that supporting the people you love includes showing up for every need, even the ones society has often kept in the shadows.
The taboo we inherited
For decades, conversations about menstruation have been shaped more by silence than by openness. Many parents — especially fathers — didn't talk about periods with their children/
In school, it was common for boys and girls to be separated for puberty lessons, meaning many boys grew up with little to no understanding of what menstruation actually was.
This gap in knowledge left kids uninformed and often reinforced the idea that periods were something to be whispered about or hidden. That cultural discomfort has lingered across generations, influencing how partners talk about menstruation, how workplaces handle menstrual needs, and how young people form their earliest ideas about gender and bodies.
Progress has been made — it wasn't until 2017 that a menstrual product ad first used red liquid instead of the traditional blue in a demonstration, according to The Week. But this TikTok shows that normalizing menstruation often begins with small moments at home rather than big campaigns.
Related: This dad canceled a 'period party' to protect his daughter's privacy—and parents can't stop applauding him
Why this video resonated so deeply
This brief TikTok clip struck a powerful chord with viewers, sparking heartfelt conversations about the shame and secrecy many experienced growing up around menstruation.
For some, it brought up a deep longing: wishing the men in their lives had approached periods with the same ease and care. For others—especially men—it served as a moment of reflection, highlighting how much attitudes about menstruation are passed down through generations.
What stood out most wasn't just the dad's calm, straightforward words, but the son's unbothered 'Yep.' That simple response showed a boy learning early that menstruation isn't strange or shameful. This kind of modeling can ripple outwards, encouraging empathy and support in future relationships and communities.
Related: Dad on Reddit wants to know: Should boys learn about periods?
Expert insight — why involving boys matters
Talking openly about menstruation with boys helps build empathy, equality, and healthier relationships—moving beyond awkwardness to meaningful understanding.
Research published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that early, accurate education about reproductive health can help dismantle stigma and reduce gender-based misconceptions. When boys understand what menstruation is — and that it's a normal biological process — they're less likely to perpetuate teasing, shame, or misinformation.
This kind of normalization benefits everyone. Girls feel supported and seen. Boys gain a fuller understanding of the human body and learn that care isn't gendered. And over time, the cycle of silence and stigma can be replaced with one of openness and respect.
Related: Mom's viral rap about periods should be shown in every health class
What people are saying
Viewers, both everyday people and brands, joined the conversation with praise and personal stories. U by Kotex® US summed it up best,
'real men raise good men'
Many echoed the importance of teaching empathy and maturity:
Sheila1815: '
Teaching a son how a husband loves and supports his wife and mother of his kids. Top Tier!'
Others shared how deeply ingrained stigma still is:
Lisa 2.0: 'Thank you. It was shamed so much in my house, I was embarrassed to buy them. Great job, Dad.'
And some reminded us why this normalization matters:
Eagle: 'how it should be, there's nothing wrong with periods, it's just nature. girls don't need bullied or embarrassed about it, don't make it a big deal'
These voices show both how far we've come and how much work remains to make menstruation an open, stigma-free topic for the next generation.
Related: Watch a bunch of men get cramps from a period pain simulator in this viral video
How parents can normalize these conversations
Normalizing menstruation starts at home, and parents have a unique opportunity to shape how their children understand and talk about periods. Here are some practical ways to make these conversations a natural part of family life:
Be open and matter-of-fact.
Use clear language when talking about periods and menstrual products. Avoid euphemisms that can make the topic feel secretive or embarrassing.
Include boys in errands.
Take your sons along when buying period products. Let them see it's just a normal part of caring for family members.
Teach the basics early.
Explain what menstruation is, why it happens, and that it's a healthy, natural process. Starting early removes mystery and stigma.
Address myths and misconceptions.
Help kids understand the facts and dispel common misunderstandings around periods.
Keep the conversation ongoing.
Don't let this be a one-time talk. Regular, age-appropriate conversations help kids grow comfortable with the topic.
By integrating these small steps into everyday life, parents can help break down stigma, build empathy, and raise children who see menstruation as a normal part of life — not something to hide or be ashamed of.
Small actions, big shifts
A simple trip to the store—like a dad buying pads with his son—can help change how we talk about periods. These everyday moments break the silence and teach empathy, showing kids that menstruation is normal and nothing to be ashamed of.
By modeling openness, parents help raise children who respect and support one another, moving us closer to a future where periods are just part of life.
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