Invite Dad to the Conversation

When a young girl prepares to start her period, there are many common misconceptions that may bring about discomfort or stress. Today, we’re here to debunk one of those common myths: that dads are somehow not equipped or shouldn’t be involved in the development of their daughters. We’re here to tell you that this just isn’t the case! And better yet, when a father is truly invested in this stage of his daughter’s life – both sides will benefit. But listen up, dads: if you wait for the moment that your daughter approaches you about the subject, you may be waiting a long time. It’s important that dads realize the role they will play in this stage of their daughter’s lives, and how to approach this time with honesty, love, and support.

When a dad openly communicates with his daughter about her period, he’s doing more than having a conversation. He’s telling her that what’s happening to her body is nothing to be ashamed of, and it’s just one more stage in her development that is totally normal. This type of message is so important, and hearing it from her dad will make a huge difference. For far too long, girls and women have been told that periods are something to hide or be embarrassed by.

So, dad, if you’re still feeling a little nervous to approach the subject, that’s okay. Just know that whatever stress you’re feeling is most likely amplified in your daughter’s mind, and you have the power to alleviate that stress. That’s a pretty worthy cause, right? Put in the effort and the time to get educated and prepared; she’s worth it. Below, we’re sharing some of our best tips to do just that:

The sooner you start openly communicating with your daughter (on every subject that you can!) the easier it will be to start the period conversation. If your daughter is used to talking to you about her development, making the leap into talking about menstruation will be a lot easier.

You may find it easier to talk when you’re doing other things. Driving a car, sitting on the couch, or even folding laundry all serve as great times to have a conversation. These tasks take the pressure of eye contact out of the picture, and they can even give your daughter something else to focus on if she’s feeling uncomfortable. But make sure you keep the moment relaxed – we don’t recommend bringing up the subject in front of other family members, or when you have other important things going on. The key here is to find a moment where you can truly focus on the conversation at hand, all while creating a relaxed, no pressure atmosphere.

It’s okay to admit you’re not an expert. Let’s repeat that: it’s okay to not be an expert. We know you’re used to being Super Dad. In this moment, it’s even more important that she sees you as someone who is right there with her – learning, growing, and doing the best they can. Your daughter won’t care if you haven’t memorized the textbook definitions of what’s going on in her body. All she’ll remember is how you make her feel. If she has questions you can’t answer, it’s totally okay to tell her that you don’t know, but that you’ll find out.

Okay, this one may sound a bit weird. But the more you relax, the more she’ll relax. Your daughter is entering into a new stage that should be celebrated. She’s one step closer to growing up and becoming and adult. This is not a life sentence, it’s a gateway to a whole new world of amazing things. Lighten up. Try making her laugh. Breathe. If you hit a wall, it’s totally okay to end the conversation and pick it up another time. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Humor goes a long way, love goes even further. Your fatherly instincts still apply here – and you know your daughter better than anyone else. Do what feels right – the important thing is that you stay engaged.

When dads show their daughters that there’s nothing to be ashamed of, there’s a better chance that young girls will take that confidence into the world. Simply put – the support of a father has the power to make a young girl feel like she can do anything. Which, of course, she can. We need strong girls – and to fully soar, they could use the unique brand of unconditional love, confidence and empowerment that their fathers provide. It’s that simple.

 

Looking for a bit more guidance to navigate this time?

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Here’s to a better period, Tara & the BPP team