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Period Positivity for Dads With Daughters

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Period Positivity for Dads With Daughters

30 March 2025

Fathering a daughter is a wild ride. One minute you’re her superhero, the next she’s rolling her eyes harder than you thought humanly possible.

And then comes puberty, when her moods swing faster than Tarzan on vines. It’s uncharted territory, especially for things like periods, where many dads feel out of their depth.

But here’s the deal. Being there for your daughter during this stage of her life can make a world of difference. Sure, it might be awkward at first, but you don’t want periods to become one of those “off-limits” topics. With a bit of prep, some honest chats, and a smidge of courage, you can keep your bond strong—even through the “Ugh, Dad!” years.

Here’s your no-frills, practical guide to navigating periods like the exceptional girl dad you are.

There is No Rule That Says Period Talk Is Exclusively 'Girl Talk'

Are you feeling inclined to step back as your daughter gets closer to her adolescent years?

Are you thinking that your wife or female partner should take the reins because "this is a woman's department,” or feel unsure about how to handle the changes? That’s understandable, of course—but trust us when we say that your involvement is key. If you’re uncomfortable, she’ll pick up on it, which is an excellent way to make her feel shameful and weird about this normal, biological process. Given you're reading this article, it's pretty clear that's not the energy you want.

Your daughter doesn’t need you to have all the answers. What she truly needs is to feel she can depend on you and trust that you’re a safe space while she's navigating her 'new normal'.

When to Start Talking About Puberty and Periods

Early and often is your go-to rule here. You don’t need to launch into a TED Talk on menstruation when she’s only 7, but weaving small, age-appropriate snippets into everyday conversations helps.

Look for natural moments, like a TV ad for pads or a scene in a movie about a young girl growing up. And if she’s already hitting puberty's milestones (like breast development or mood swings), it’s time to break the ice.

How to Make “The Talk” Way Less Awkward

Talking about periods might feel weird (for both of you), but the more chill you are, the easier it’ll be. Here are some hacks:

Go Side-by-Side: Chat with her in the car or during a walk. Conversations flow easier when you don’t have to make awkward eye contact.
Skip the Big Words: There’s no need to sound like a medical textbook. Stick to straightforward language she’ll understand.
Admit What You Don’t Know: Don’t fake it! If she asks something you’re unsure about, say, “I’ll look that up and get back to you.” Then actually follow through.

And when her first period does arrive, keep it low-key. A simple, “If you need anything, I’m here” works wonders.

Here are a few casual openers you can try:

“I know a lot of changes happen during puberty. Have you noticed anything yet?”
“Did you learn about periods at school yet? What did they tell you?”

Remember, this isn’t a one-and-done conversation. You might bring it up briefly the first (no doubt awkward) time. The. second time, it'll be a little less cringe and then the third, fourth, fifth time onwards will begin to feel like business as usual.

Stock Up on Period Products

Make sure she’s prepared with options that fit her preferences and lifestyle. If you’re clueless about period products, here’s the 101 you need:

Pads and Tampons: These are the go-to for most girls, but tampons can feel intimidating at first. (Fair warning, she may need some convincing to try them when swimming season starts.)
Period Underwear: These are game-changers. They’re comfy, discreet, and reusable. Plus, some can hold the equivalent of several pads, so they’re perfect for heavy schooldays.
Reusable Pads and Menstrual Cups: Generally (but not always), girls opt for pads or period undies in their early teens, but although these might not be her first choice, it’s worth knowing they exist.

HINT 👇 Keep a stash handy at home and in her school bag. And if she messages you last-minute with a panicked “Dad, I need pads!” be the hero and grab a box without grumbling.

Don't Feed Period Myths

Your daughter might hear loads of nonsense about periods, especially if she’s getting info from friends or (gulp) TikTok. It’s your job to set the record straight.

Here are some common myths to debunk:

“Periods are gross or dirty”

Nope. They're as natural as breathing and actually period blood is just as sanitary as venous blood (depending on where the venous blood is coming from, sometimes moreso).

When push comes to shove, a period is brought about by the shedding of the uterine wall, which was being prepped for the growth of a baby should fertilisation have occurred. Now, (I'm guessing thankfully) in your daughter's case, she has her period, so this has happened but, regardless, a baby needs a hygienic environment which is what the uterus provides.

“Everyone has a perfect 28-day cycle”

Rarely true, periods can be unpredictable, especially in the early years - that’s completely normal. Sometimes it might come on time, sometimes not at all, sometimes a week after the last one finished and for the first 6 -18 months, there may be no rhyme or reason to it. But the unpredictability doesn't stop there! No siree! The heaviness of her flow will more than likely be all over the shop, too.

It's little wonder she's a bit on edge, right?

“Only women should talk about periods”

Please, just no. Everyone, regardless of gender, benefits from understanding how periods work.

It's not much of a leap to assume that a man who willingly shows up for a woman when she's experiencing her period or any other type of women's issue is one who's worth your girl's time.

If that's the outcome you want (and given you're reading this article, chances are you do), modelling the behaviours you want her to find in a partner down the track is a positive step in that direction.

Practical Period Prep for Your Home

Give your bathroom a dad-friendly period makeover. It’s not hard, and she’ll thank you for it (eventually).

Add a lidded bin for easy disposal of pads and tampons.
Stock the cupboard with period essentials.
Keep an emergency travel pouch stocked for on-the-go situations.
Teach her one golden rule for waste management: “Bin it, don’t flush it!”

The Cost of Periods (Yep, It’s a Thing)

Here’s a heads-up you didn’t see coming. Being period-prepped costs money. Between pads, tampons, or period undies, you’re looking at around $10–15 a month. That’s $120–180 annually.

(A little plug here: girls need around 4-6 pairs to get through a cycle and our 5-packs are $99.80 with free shipping and they can last 18 months to 2 years - okay, now back to regular programming).

If she’s managing her own stash, consider upping her pocket money. Or, if you’re handling it, build it into the grocery budget.

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DEALING WITH ALL THE FEELS
Beyond the pads and tampons, there’s the emotional rollercoaster of puberty.

Hormonal changes combined with social pressures can leave girls feeling self-conscious, stressed, confused and angry, and it's pretty likely she'll be out of line from time to time (or even straight up hostile for a while). It's important to have boundaries and to dish out consequences, but it's also important not to take her 'tude personally.

Keeping a level head will go a long way to de-escalating conflict and safeguarding your relationship with her in the long run.
WHAT NOT TO DO 🙅‍♀️
Often it’s what you DON’T say (or do) that matters most. Avoid these common dad pitfalls:
- Don’t act embarrassed. If you’re awkward, she will be too.
- Don’t downplay her feelings. Cramps and mood swings are legit!
- Don’t assume this is just her mum’s job.
- Don’t shame her for unexpected situations (like needing supplies ASAP).
- Most importantly, don’t make her feel like this is something she has to deal with alone.

You’ve Got This, Girl Dad

It might feel daunting at first, but here’s the truth: your daughter doesn’t need a perfect dad. She just needs one who’s present, supportive, and willing to learn.

By staying involved and talking openly about periods, you’re showing her what healthy, respectful male support looks like. And trust us—that’s a lesson she’ll carry with her forever (even if she’s too cool to admit it now).

Need more info to prep for The Period Talk? Check out our 4 Surefire Signs That Her Period Is On Its Way. If your girl is sporty, prevent her from becoming one of the 64% of girls who drop out after age 11 by reading, Championing Change: 5 Ways to Keep Her in the Game During Puberty.

Or maybe you're keen to stock up, in which. case, check out our First Period Kit, Period Starter Kit and Teen Period Underwear so you've everything she needs to adjust to her new normal when the time comes.

Here’s to feeling the awkward but going there anyway! 💪