Grandmother Discards Toddler's Underwear Over Fertility Myth, Family Reacts
A mother-in-law named Fran threw away her 3-year-old grandson Sam’s underwear because she believes it could affect male fertility, prompting the parents to replace the clothing and consider how to handle the situation.
While staying with the family for a week, Fran, the mother-in-law, began taking away Sam’s underwear, leaving the child with only one pair. Her son revealed that Fran thinks boys wearing underwear can lead to impotence, a superstition she grew up with. When the mother asked Fran why she was discarding the clothing, Fran confirmed the act.
The parents had to buy replacement underwear and wondered if such conduct should be considered grounds for dismissal from the household. Advice suggested setting boundaries, explaining the myth, and possibly hiding the underwear when Fran visits. The column author, A.J., recommended a gentle but firm approach rather than extreme measures.
Why it matters
It highlights how outdated personal beliefs can cause household conflict and affect child care.
In this story
