Today, I’m sharing parenting advice for single dads and the period talk with their daughters.  As a single mother, I understand the fears and stress of parenting alone.  At times, it can be daunting.  After all, you probably never thought it would be down to just you. But as your daughter’s closest family member, and person she looks to for security and affection, equipping yourself for the “period talk” is huge.

First, get your facts straight before talking with your daughter.  As your daughter enters puberty, her body is preparing for womanhood. Every month, her body prepares to have a baby. But if she doesn’t become pregnant, her body renews and cleans itself in a safe and healthy way through her period. It can start irregular, but generally her period will happen every month.  Are you ready dad?

Tips for Single dads and the period talk:

Prepare yourself early

Prepare yourself for the talk while your daughter is too young to face puberty. The average age a girl gets her period is 12 years old, but the normal range is from 8 to 15 years old. If you have a close female friend or relative you can go to for advice, ask them the best way to talk to your daughter about her period. If you would rather research on your own.

Equip yourself and equip your daughter

Next, prepare your daughter with items she will need during her battle.  In fact, this might be a concrete, action-oriented way to prepare even yourself for the talk.  Learn about what your daughter may need.  For example, easy to use and comfortable tampons and pads.  When you shop for tampons and pads, purchase  different brands for beginners like her to try out.

As your daughter gets older, encourage her to carry a couple in her bag in case they’re needed and she’s away from home. She might feel embarrassed at first, but she will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Assure her that it’s part of growing up

As you open the period talk, you can begin by describing different things that can happen as she grows up.  You can begin with duties and responsibilities she can help with around the house.  It will help her in seeing  her period as a part of the transition to adulthood.  Most importantly, assure your daughter that it’s something the two of you can manage together.

Don’t make it a joke

As you have the period talk, you are setting the baseline for how your daughter treats her period. If you tiptoe around the subject, she might not feel comfortable talking about it. Explain the scientific facts of what’s happening in a simple manner. If she expresses fear, acknowledge that yes, it might be scary.  However, every woman experiences it.  Don’t turn it into a joke, but reassure that everything is natural.

Affirm your relationship with her

At the end of the day let her know that you are dad, and want to take care of and protect her. After the talk, let her ask questions, and try to answer them (or say you’ll get back to her). And then remind her that you are her father, and that you love her and you want her to always come to you with her troubles and concerns. An assured relationship is the best way to maintain her trust in you.

Author Bio – Jenny Hart is a health and wellness writer with a passion for travel, cycling and books. Her focus is on topics related to feminine health for young girls. When she isn’t writing or traveling, she’s traversing NYC with her two dogs Poochie and Ramone.