Preparing dad for your daughter's period

A practical guide to help dad prepare

Quick summary

• Many dads feel nervous or unprepared for periods simply because they never learned about them – understanding the basics can make a big difference to your daughter’s confidence
• Dads can play a calm, practical and supportive role, even if someone else handles the emotional chat
• The luna app helps your daughter track her cycle, learn about her body and ask anonymous expert questions which may also help provide reassurance that she has reliable support in her pocket

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Preparing dad for your daughter’s period

If you’re a mum looking to prepare dad for your daughter’s first period, you’re far from alone.

And if you’re a dad reading this yourself because you want to get it right, genuinely, that’s half the job already done! You're so welcome here!

Many dads didn’t grow up with open conversations about periods.

Some had very little education at school, or at home their mothers or sisters weren't super open about what they were going through.

So when puberty suddenly arrives in their own household, it’s normal for everyone to feel a bit unsure about who should say what, who should prepare what, and how to make sure your daughter feels supported rather than embarrassed.

This guide will help you prepare in a calm, practical and non-awkward way, whether you parent together, co-parent across two homes, or simply want to make sure your daughter has support from both sides.

What do dads need to know about periods?

Dads don’t need a PhD in biology. What they do need is the basics, so they can understand what might be going on.

So here's a quick summary:

1. Periods are completely normal and nothing to panic about

Your daughter may take emotional cues from parents. Staying calm can help her stay calm.

2. Her early periods will likely be irregular

It’s normal for periods to:

• skip months
• come closer together
• be light one month and heavier the next
• vary in symptoms

This avoids unnecessary worry when things change month to month.

Eventually a period will normally come every 21-35 days, and last 2-7 days, but it can take a couple of years after starting periods for them to develop into a regular pattern.

3. Signs a period might be coming

Premenstrual syndrome (or PMS for short) is a collection of symptoms that come before a period each month. In teens PMS can look like:

• cramps
• tiredness
• irritability
• headaches
• bloating
• changes in discharge

Understanding them can help when it comes to responding kindly or understanding sudden mood swings.

However with a first period, the signs are different!

She may not experience things like cramps but instead signs of puberty like:

• discharge
• breast growth
• armpit and pubic hair growth

A first period comes on average at age 12, but it can be as young as 8 or as old as 17.

4. The basic products

Pads are probably easiest to start with. Period pants are brilliant too and often more comfortable – they're particularly handy for school and sleep.

Tampons often come later because they can be tricky to use, but they're good for swimming and sports e.g. if they're a gymnast or dancer. They can use them whenever they're ready.

5. Pain is normal but intense pain isn’t

Dad should know the difference between:

• common cramps (manageable with heat, rest, pads)

vs

• extreme pain (missing school, vomiting, or doubled over → speak to a doctor)

6. Sensitivity is real

Periods can make teens more emotional. Avoid phrases like “calm down” or “you’re overreacting.”

Swap for:

• “Is there anything you need?”
• “I’m here if you want anything.”

Practical ways dads can help (that aren’t embarrassing for teens)

Firstly we want to reiterate that periods are so normal and there's no shame in talking openly about them.

We love talking about periods, and we'd love the world to discuss these more openly!

But the reality is that for lots of teens it's still just too embarrassing to discuss. And when they're first starting out, prioritising their comfort is key.

Not every dad feels comfortable having a big emotional chat either, and that’s okay.

There are tons of low-key, helpful things dad can do that make a huge difference:

1. Quietly stocking up the house

Just making sure the bathroom has:

• pads
• a discreet bin
• bin liners in the bin (a plastic bag will do!)
• a hot water bottle or heat pad that's easy to access
• painkillers (if your daughter is safe to use them)

2. Buying small, thoughtful comfort items

Things that feel caring, such as:

• a cosy blanket
• a cute hot water bottle
• sheet masks for the face
• her favourite snacks
• a comfy pair of PJs
• a closed-top bin (for her room and bathroom)

Dad might want to casually present the item by saying: “I grabbed this while I was out, thought you’d like it.”

3. Offering help by text (if talking feels cringe)

It's great if talking face to face feels fine, but if not a simple, respectful message works wonders:

“I’m going to the shop and happy to grab anything you need to help you feel comfortable (including period products, sorry if that's embarrassing but just wanted to check!)”

4. Asking mum what she needs

If you co-parent together but live separately, sometimes the simplest thing is:

“What does she prefer? What should I have in the house?”

It avoids any guesswork.

5. Giving her space…but being available

A dad doesn’t need to fix anything. Just being steady, calm and nearby is often enough.

What should dads do when her first period actually arrives?

The first period can feel like a big deal, but there's some steps dad can take to help!

1. Stay calm

Even if inside it's panic stations.

2. Say something reassuring

Examples:

• “It’s really normal you don't need to be embarrassed.”
• “What do you need?”

3. Get her supplies

Pads or period pants first. Dad can offer but not insist:

“Do you want me to grab pads or leave you to it?”

Let her lead.

4. Protect her privacy

No jokes.

No teasing.

No announcing it to the family group chat (you'd be surprised how much teens ask luna in the app about this!)

5. Support quietly with comfort

Food, warmth, rest, a comfort film – all easy wins.

What if mum and dad live in separate homes?

This is where preparation makes a huge difference.

Dads should:

1. Keep products in both houses

Even if she only stays occasionally, don't rely on a period kit. A small drawer with:

• pads
• tampons – if she uses them (or just in case she wants to!)
• period pants
• spare underwear
• spare pyjamas
• a heat pad

Plus having a bin with a liner in her room communicates “you’re safe and supported here.”

2. Ask beforehand if she needs anything packed

Or send a gentle message:

“Heading to the shop before you come over – want me to get anything?”

3. Agree on a simple plan between homes

Especially if her period starts unexpectedly. Mum and Dad can coordinate how to handle school, sleepovers, symptoms and supplies.

It shows your daughter that even if you’re not romantically together, you’re united in supporting her.

How luna can support your daughter (and take the pressure off)

The luna app is built specifically for 11-18s and gives your daughter:

• cycle tracking in a way teens actually understand
• symptom and mood logging
• expert-reviewed videos and articles
• a safe space away from the judgement of social media and forums (where girls often turn to for advice)

Rated 4.8

Give your daughter the best guide to girlhood with luna

Find out more