We’ve come a long way from the days when menstruation was whispered about behind closed doors, but still, there’s one conversation that is still very much missing — how dads can talk about periods. Not in a vague, “ask your mom” kind of way. We’re talking real, open, human conversations.
Back in the day, parenting, especially the emotional stuff, was seen as the mother’s job. She handled the moods, the hygiene, the periods. But today, things have shifted. Dads are more involved than ever. You’re not just the weekend guy anymore, you’re doing school pickups, helping with homework, and having real conversations.
So this Father’s Day, if you’re a father to a daughter, we’re here to tell you that this is part of the job too. Supporting your daughter through her first period isn’t an add-on, it’s part of being present. Part of showing up. You don’t have to be an expert. You just have to be in it with her.
Here are some tips to help you through this taboo-breaking conversation:
She Doesn’t Need a Lecture. She Needs a Calm Presence.
Explaining periods to your daughter doesn’t mean becoming a biology professor overnight. It means being the calm in the chaos. If she’s traveling and suddenly feels something she’s never felt before, cramps, wetness, that panicky “uh-oh”, she needs to know that you won’t freak out.
Even if you’re silently spiralling, don’t let it show. Your calm is her calm.
Start by saying something simple like: “Hey, I think you might be getting your period, it’s totally normal, and I’ve got you.” That sentence is everything. It’s the foundation of first-period support for dads: reassurance, not dramatics.
And yes, many dads do feel unsure. Research shows 56% of fathers feel helpless when their daughters are in period pain, and 13% admit they feel frustrated. That doesn’t make you a bad parent, it makes you human. But 81% of dads still say they’re open to discussing menstrual concerns. So, you don’t need to be perfect. Just willing.
Buy the Products. Carry Them Like Snacks.
You know how you always keep candy, a charger, or Band-Aids when you’re traveling with her? Add pads to that list. Not just any pads, we’re talking Nua’s ultra-thin, rash-free sanitary pads that come in a sleek, travel-friendly pack. No rustling plastic sounds. No bulky shapes. Just clean, comfortable protection that doesn’t scream “awkward.”
Even better, keep Nua’s Ultimate Teen Period Kit in your glove compartment. Not because she might get her period — but because she will, eventually. Buying period products as a dad doesn’t have to feel weird. It can feel like love.
Here’s a bonus, when she sees you (her dad) picking out pads at the pharmacy or unzipping your backpack to hand her a Nua pad like it’s no big deal, you’re not just helping her, you’re normalizing period conversations for dads and daughters. And more than that, you’re shaping how she sees herself. If her dad treats her period like it’s no big deal, she’ll grow up knowing it is no big deal. She’ll speak about it confidently — even around other boys and men — because that’s what she’s seen at home. That’s how normalization actually begins.
Don’t Just Pack Products. Pack Language.
When you’re on the go, you don’t always have the luxury of time or privacy. So think ahead about how you’ll talk to her.
Instead of “Are you… on your period?” (which makes her feel like something’s wrong), try:
“Do you want to stop for a minute and check if you’re okay?”
Or
“I brought those pads you may need, want one?”
It’s gentle. Casual. And it lets her feel in control.
How fathers can help with menstruation is less about having the perfect words and more about being available. Being the guy who doesn’t make it weird.
And yes, daughters might still be hesitant. While 81% of dads are open to these talks, only 54% of daughters are. That gap? It’s bridged through consistency, not pressure.
Build Rituals (Even On Busy Days)
If her first period shows up when you’re both out and about, in a cab, grabbing groceries, heading to school, don’t let the moment get swallowed by whatever else is going on. Instead, acknowledge what is happening and maybe even bookmark it with a ritual that’s just between you two. It could be something like grabbing her favourite snack on the way home or taking five minutes to just sit and talk.
Think of it this way: supporting your daughter through her first period isn’t just about managing a bodily change, it’s about creating a moment that says, “This is normal. And I’m here.” That tiny pause? It tells her she matters.
Create a “Just-in-Case” Period Pouch Together
You know those airport toiletry kits? Make one for her. Except instead of toothpaste and face mist, stock it with:
- A few Nua pads (they come individually packed by flow, which is perfect for new users)
- A spare pair of underwear
- Intimate Hygiene Wipes
- Some cramp relief products
- A little note from you (something like: “You’ve got this. Proud of you.”)
Bring her along for this activity, let it be a little project you do together. As you’re packing the pouch, walk her through when and how she might need each item. You could say something like, “This roll-on is kind of like a superhero for your stomach — comes in when things start to feel dramatic.” Let your dad energy shine through, explain things in your own quirky way, the same way you explain WiFi issues or cricket rules.
And yes, this is the perfect moment to drop a classic dad joke: “Feeling moody? Sounds like your body’s doing its monthly software update.”(Lol, never mind).
Be the Constant, Not the Expert
You’re not supposed to relate to her experience (and let’s be real: you can’t), and that’s completely fine. She has her mom, her friends, and other women in her life for that. What she needs from you is something just as valuable: consistency.
How dads can talk about periods isn’t about saying the perfect thing. It’s about not disappearing when it gets uncomfortable. It’s about being steady when she feels wobbly. You don’t need to explain symptoms or pretend to understand how it feels. You just need to be the one who doesn’t flinch when she says the word “period.”
Because when you show up with quiet confidence, a Nua pad in one hand and zero awkwardness in the other, she learns that this part of her life is nothing to hide. And that lesson will stick way beyond the cramps and the calendars.
And if you ever feel unsure, remember: 88% of dads in one study said they were worried about their daughter’s welfare during periods. 63% worried it would affect her schooling. That concern is your compass.
Normalize It in Front of Others
One of the biggest ways fathers can help with menstruation? Be vocal about it. Casually mention that you carry pads when someone’s packing bags. Joke about needing a bigger pouch now that you’re “the dad who carries period supplies.”
It’s not performative, it’s leadership. You’re not just supporting your daughter; you’re changing the air in the room for all daughters.
So, Dads — What Do You Really Need?
Honestly? A little confidence. A little empathy. And a pack of Nua pads in your travel bag.
Because supporting your daughter through her first period might happen when you least expect it. And when it does, she won’t remember if you said all the ‘right’ things — she’ll remember if you made her feel safe.
And that’s the point.
If you’re a dad who wants to be all these things and more but you still have questions, put them in the comments below. We’re here for you, girl dad!
