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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

DD first period

59 replies

BM111 · 07/02/2025 14:30

Hello. I’m a father of a 14 year old daughter. Been informed that my daughter just had her first period this week. I’ll be seeing her next week and wanted to ask your advice about what I should say to her. For all mums out there, is there anything you wish your fathers had said to you at that time, or is it better not to say anything?! Any advice/comments/feedback gratefully received. Thank you.

OP posts:
WinterIsNearlyHere · 07/02/2025 14:31

Don't say anything!

ivegotthisyeah · 07/02/2025 14:32

Aw that's cute, just say hear you started your periods, let me know if and when you need anything chocolate included!
Short and direct

Weepixie · 07/02/2025 14:33

Ask your ex or another female family member or friend.

Zoraflora · 07/02/2025 14:33

I would wait for her to bring it up.

ivegotthisyeah · 07/02/2025 14:33

Cute that you're thoughtful I mean!!

YoungGunsHavingSomeFunCrazyLadiesKeepEmOnTheRun · 07/02/2025 14:33

Don't say anything, just make sure you have pads at your house at all times.

If she wants to talk about it she will mention it.

Balloonhearts · 07/02/2025 14:34

I wouldn't mention it unless she does.

Imabitbusyatthemoment · 07/02/2025 14:34

At that age I would have hated my Dad to say anything to me but I think it depends on your relationship.
One thing I would suggest is to make sure there’s always a supply of sanitary products in the bathroom.

StormingNorman · 07/02/2025 14:35

I wouldn’t say anything but I would make sure you have pads at your house and a bin in the bathroom.

EduCated · 07/02/2025 14:36

Also make sure you have a bin (preferably with lid) in your bathrooms.

pennydroppedtoday · 07/02/2025 14:36

StormingNorman · 07/02/2025 14:35

I wouldn’t say anything but I would make sure you have pads at your house and a bin in the bathroom.

This

Please done say anything I would have died at her age if my dad had said a word to me about it

JimHalpertsWife · 07/02/2025 14:36

You just make sure you keep a drawer in the bathroom well stocked with sanitary towels, let her know it's all there, and to shout up/text you when it's running low.

BackinBlack24 · 07/02/2025 14:37

Maybe rather than say anything get some stuff to have for her incase she ever needs it and put it where ever she stays ? Can all be ordered online , period pants , sanitary towels , hot water bottle .

Bruisername · 07/02/2025 14:37

Please don’t say anything - my dad used to join in when mum and sis and I were talking about periods and it never went down well!

Speak to her mum about what protection she is using etc etc and ask her to speak to your dd about how she would like you to deal with it.

gatheryerosebuds · 07/02/2025 14:38

Absolutely DON’T say anything… she’ll be mortified!
There are some things (still) which dads don’t need to “know” about even if of course they do know!

crystalball2025 · 07/02/2025 14:39

Firstly, what a lovely day you are. Ignore any semi negative responses on here or ones that are pretty abrupt.

The fact you're actually worrying/thinking about this is commendable in itself.

I wouldn't say anything. I'd just have the sanitary products available in the house (maybe find out from Mum what she uses) and that's pretty much it.

She may have some hormone changes, so be aware of those. Moods etc. but other than that, be the wonderful Dad you clearly are.

Xx

chelseahealyslips · 07/02/2025 14:45

You sound like a caring dad.

Echoing others, having a drawer/box full of all the sanitary products will be great. Bins with lids. One in her room too. Nappy sacks for disposing.
Not making a fuss.
Not sure what the arrangement you have is (I always used to have to take my clothes with me from mums to dads) but having a spare set of clothes, sheets, pj's, underwear might be useful in case she has a night time leak.
Also a hot water bottle, painkillers and chocolate.

(Also as the person who may have to wash her things. Cold water is the best for blood staining in case you didn't know.)

lovelydayIhave · 07/02/2025 14:46

StormingNorman · 07/02/2025 14:35

I wouldn’t say anything but I would make sure you have pads at your house and a bin in the bathroom.

Yes this.🙂

Greenbottle123 · 07/02/2025 14:49

You sound like a lovely dad. I don’t think you need to say anything either but as another poster has said a bin with a lid, lined with a bag in the bathroom is more important than any man might ever know!

mamajong · 07/02/2025 14:50

Short and sweet. I heard you started your periods, just wanted to say you've no need to be embarrassed, and please feel comfortable asking me if there is anything you need.'

rivalsbinge · 07/02/2025 14:53

Sooooo in my family my dad was the stay at home parent with 2 daughters he used to be the one asking what we needed, making sure we had tampons and pads.

So from a more normal perspective where men know that women menstruate I'd just check in and ask what she would like in the house.

sirflumpalot · 07/02/2025 14:53

I would have been mortified if my dad said anything to me that age. But that was over 30 years ago and attitudes have changed very much since then.

Can you not speak to her mum to ask her to give you a heads up if your daughter might need anything/she can give you things to keep at yours

bluegreen89 · 07/02/2025 14:59

Say "Your mum says you've started your period - the bathroom cupboard and snack cupboard are stocked up (or the drawer in her room if she wears period pants), and you have a new HWB too.. let me know if you need anything else!" It's weird to pretend it isn't happening, it's not a taboo or anything. You don't want her feeling uncomfortable when she is with you and has her period.

Make sure she has extra pjs, plenty of pants and bed sheets/bedding in case of leaks. Don't wash blood stained things in hot water, first rub with salt and cold water, this will get it out, then wash as normal once visible stain has removed.

paranoiaofpufflings · 07/02/2025 14:59

If she stays with you then I'd give her a drawer or nice box in your bathroom that she can have stocked up with whatever sanitary products and other toiletries that she needs. Much easier and nicer than her having to remember to bring stuff.
In terms of what to say - some girls will be mortified if their dad mentions periods and others will find it reassuring. You know her better than any of us so make the judgement or check with her mum.
Personally I would have liked my dad to say something like "mum said you've started your periods, we can keep some toiletries here for you but let me know if you ever need anything else".

Mizztikle · 07/02/2025 14:59

Have a little care package for her with pads and feminine hygiene products. Let her know if she has any accidents she can put her clothes or sheets in the machine and you'll sort it and what to do with her used pads.