DD first period

[BM111]

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.

I started my periods in the 1980s and my mother next spoke to me about it and it was agony every month asking for products. I resolved that our house would never be like that - and it isn’t. My daughter can speak to us both about it and her brother who is 10 know at times she needs an extra hug and some of his chocolate. I can’t believe the amount of women that are suggesting fathers not mention it. In my experience it makes the whole thing more shameful. OP keep being the thoughtful dad you are and do as others have suggested. This weekend might be a good time to make sure she has everything she needs and family takeaway and film night.

Say nothing. Make sure you have a supply of sanitary products in the bathroom/daughter's bedroom (ask your daughter's Mum which to buy), ensure you have a hot water bottle and pain killers in the house. Keep a couple of large bars of her favourite chocolate stocked in the cupboard!!

I never hid it from my dad but I also didn’t want to talk to him about it. Sometimes it’s nice to speak to someone who truly understands

my son and husband are fully aware dd and I have periods but it is totally up to her if she wants to talk about it with them

its not about shame at all

My dd’s are 24 & 16. They are very close to their dad but they just wouldn’t want to talk about periods with him. They didn’t especially want to talk at length with me either. It’s a personal thing and as long they are ok and have their bits it’s not dinner table conversation they want to have.

Go to a local pharmacy store, find a female employee and ask her to help you find needed items to have on hand. Midol, hearing pad, pads/tampons, snacks- whatever. Put them in her room in a bag.

If there are times when you notice a change in her behavior and you think it might be related to her period DO NOT SAY THAT. Tell her "I'm going to the store to get some snacks, what can I bring you?"

Hormones are WILDLY unpredictable. Be patient and kind. Don't take anything personally. It really depends on what type of relationship you have with your kid, but the fact that you are posting here is incredibly compassionate and thoughtful.

My dad didn’t say anything but had gone out and bought pretty much every sanitary product on the shelf in Tesco and left it in a box on a shelf in his bathroom. He had also bought various snacks and drinks. He was a wonderful man and it didn’t make me feel uncomfortable at all.

Stock up with pads, wipes and some nappy sacks/feminine hygiene alternative just so it's a bit less awkward for her. Maybe stock up on pain killers (I can't remember if kids are allowed to take these) and a mini, cute 'novelty' hot water bottle or microwaveable heat bag.
You're a good dad.

Op @chelseahealyslips nails it, everything I was going to say!

Personally, if my dad found out I had my period, I would not want want him to bring it up at all.

Of course there are other ways to support her - if you are living together and she happens to run out of period products or has cramps I'd ask her what she needed. If you are aware that she currently has period you could ask her what food or snacks she is craving for (without mentioning period unless you're confident she is comfortable), ask how she is feeling.

If you are not living together you could support her by having talks with her mum privately, maybe? Like if dd's feeling okay, if you have a period kit set, if she has the weareluna tracker for teens, if they need any help with anything, etc. You're doing a great job with just asking advice already. x