If you’re a single dad, or even a weekend dad raising a daughter, there will be times when you have to navigate topics that might feel unfamiliar—like a first period!
As a father talking to your daughter about periods can feel a little daunting—for both of you. You want to be there for her, offer support, and answer her questions, but you also don’t want to come across as unsure or make her feel uncomfortable.
The good news is this doesn’t have to be a single, big conversation. Instead, think of it as an ongoing chat that grows as she does. This guide will help you talk to your daughter about periods in a way that’s understanding, supportive, and free of embarrassment for both of you.
So, who starts the conversation? Should you wait for her to ask, or bring it up yourself? Here are some simple and natural ways to make it easier for both of you.
It really doesn't have to be a big or serious chat, there are plenty of everyday moments when the topic of periods and puberty can come up naturally and being prepared is vital to ensure you give your daughter clear and reassuring advice.
If one of these moments happens, you can casually introduce the topic with something like:
“That’s a great question! Periods are a normal part of growing up, and they’re something all girls go through. Do you want to chat about it?”
If she hasn’t brought it up, don’t worry—it’s okay to start the conversation yourself and leave it open for her to come to when she feels ready.
By mentioning it first you will be letting your daughter know that periods are not something she needs to keep a secret from you. Try not to make a joke about them, as this really is a big deal for teens going through puberty, so try something like:
“Hey, I know you’re growing up, and I wanted to chat about something important - periods. You might have already heard a bit about them at school or from friends, but I just want you to know that I’m here if you ever have questions.”
By keeping it open-ended and casual, she won’t feel pressured to have a long talk right away.
We know that for many dads, talking about periods can feel a little awkward, and finding the right words isn’t always easy. But don’t worry you don’t have to be an expert to support your daughter. It’s completely okay to start with the basics and let the conversation grow from there.
You don’t need to go into too much detail at first—just cover the basics in an age-appropriate way:
And whilst she may feel find chatting to you about this, don't be too upset if she ever feels embarrassed or uncomfortable talking to you, consider asking a trusted female figure (an older sister or cousin, aunt, family friend, or school nurse) to be someone she can reach out to.
Before she gets her first period, it’s a good idea to put together a little period kit with pads, pantyliners, and spare underwear. Let her know she can keep it in her school bag, so she never gets caught off guard, or at your house if she only visits at the weekends.
We also have a How To Use A Pad blog she may like to see.
If she has questions about tampons or menstrual cups, answer them honestly but let her know she doesn’t need to use those until she’s ready.
Check out our Teens range of pads and liners for your daughter.
Lil-Lets Teens Starter Pack Lil-Lets Teens Day Pads with WingsYour daughter might experience cramps, bloating, mood swings, or headaches before or during her period. Here are some simple ways to help:
Finally, your first period talk doesn’t have to be perfect—you don’t have to have all the answers—you just need to be there for her!
The more comfortable and approachable you are, the easier it will be for her to ask questions in the future. Most importantly, remind her that she’s not alone, and you’re always here to help.
Discover the tell-tale signs that your daughter is starting puberty and learn how you can offer support through these changes.
Signs Your Daughter Is About To Start Her PeriodAs a parent, you want to help your daughter feel comfortable, confident, and prepared for this new stage in her life. That’s where pantyliners and pads come in.
Why Your Daughter Needs Pantyliners and PadsLet’s take a closer look at how puberty affects our child's emotions and what we can do to help our child navigate this often overwhelming time.
Helping Your Child Cope with Emotional Changes During Puberty
A period talk is a discussion parents or guardians have with their child about what to expect when they start puberty and have their first period. Having a period talk with your daughter before puberty helps her to understand that periods are a normal part of her developing body.
Discussing puberty and periods before your daughter’s first period is the best way to ensure she isn’t caught off guard, ashamed, or anxious. In the era of social media, period talks are important to help make sure girls understand the facts about menstruation, why they have periods and how they can manage them when they arrive.
There is no right or wrong time for a period chat, if your child is asking questions about puberty or periods at any age, then it’s always good to answer them with the appropriate level of information suitable for their age. As they get older you can then increase the amount of knowledge you offer, delving deeper into their biology and what to expect when a first period arrives.
Getting into the habit of having short chats about puberty and periods is a great way of making your daughter feel comfortable and confident when discussing all things relating to this special time in her life. You can start by sharing your first period experiences, to make her feel at ease and open-up the conversation about how she feels and what she already knows.
We believe for the first few periods a girl has, pads are ideal, allowing them to get used to their flow and cycle. Our Teens range is ideal as the pads are shorter and narrower than most adult pads so fit comfortably inside the underwear of a smaller developing body.
