Periods 101 For Dads

Hey dads – are you ready for your daughter’s first period?
Historically this has been a discussion left to mom but we believe it’s time for dads to get involved and be part of the conversation.

“Let’s not leave Dads out of the bloody conversation.” – Michael Sheen. Actor, Activist, Dad.

5 tips on how to have positive conversations with your kids about periods –

1.Know the basics of menstruation.
Every month a woman’s body prepares to have a baby by releasing an egg. The womb develops a thick lining that has everything a foetus would need to develop. When the egg is not fertilised the lining is shed out of the body as a period.

2.Remember that periods are different for everyone.
Most women menstruate between the ages of about 12 and 50. Each period lasts about 3-7 days but it can take a couple of years for periods to settle into a pattern, so don’t be concerned if teenagers have irregular periods.

3.When to talk to your kids about menstruation.
There is no perfect moment to have the discussion. Talk about difficult topics early and often, rather than having one big conversation all at once. When periods come up in conversation, you walk past some tampons in the shop, or when you’re watching a movie which brings up PMS – use these moments to chat. Schools cover puberty when kids are in their last year of primary school (aged 10/11). For some girls, this is too late as research shows that 15% of girls don’t know what’s happening when they start their period. Start talking to your daughter when she is 8.

4.Teach your daughter:

1. Periods are normal.
2. Speak up – periods don’t need to be hidden and they’re nothing to be ashamed of.
3. Get help – if they hurt a lot go and see a doctor to be safe.

5.Teach your son:

1. Periods are not gross.
2. Be kind and don’t tease girls.
3. It’s ok to ask questions.

Now that you’ve got the talk covered, what else do you need in preparation for your daughter’s first period? Here’s a quick checklist –
1.Buy some pads and put them somewhere easy to access.
2.Extra supplies of dark coloured pants is a great idea.
3.Make your bathroom period friendly by putting a small bin next to the toilet.
4.Create a discrete starter-pack for her school bag in case she starts there.

Lastly, when buying period products, you might feel overwhelmed at the selection available. There are no right or wrong products and your daughter will gradually learn what works best for her. Here are a few basics to know when making your choice on what to buy –

1.Pads/Sanitary Towels: These are usually the best products to use when they first start their periods because they’re the easiest! They simply stick inside your pants and they come in lots of shapes and sizes and are made of different materials.
2.Tampons: These go inside the vagina and can be quite difficult to insert at first but some come with an applicator to make the process easier. Tampons should never be worn for more than 8 hours as there is a small risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome.
3.Menstrual Cups: These sit inside the vagina to collect blood rather than absorb it. They are reusable over many years making them cheaper in the long run, and much better for the environment. They’re a great choice for exercise and swimming.

So dad, it’s time to help normalise menstruation by taking part in the conversation.
Most importantly… just be the dad she knows and loves – nothing has changed!