We were on the plane when my daughter leaned over, eyes wide and cheeks flushed, and whispered, “Dad, I think my pe.ri.od started!”
There was a brief moment where time paused—just long enough for me to see the mix of panic and embarrassment in her eyes. Without missing a beat, I reached into my backpack and handed her the emergency pad I always carry.
She looked stunned for a second, then whispered, “You carry these?”
“Of course,” I smiled. “Just in case my favorite girl ever needs one.”
She gave me the tiniest nod and clutched the pad before rushing off to the bathroom.
As I sat there, heart pounding a little, I thought about all the years we’d spent just the two of us—me learning how to braid her hair from YouTube tutorials, her clinging to me when she scraped her knees, both of us navigating this life together since her mom passed.
When she returned, her face was calmer. She sat down, tucked her hand in mine, and whispered, “Thanks for being ready.”
I didn’t say anything. I just squeezed her hand.
There are moments as a father when you realize love isn’t just about providing or protecting. Sometimes, it’s about anticipating a need, preparing for it quietly, and showing up without making a big deal of it.
That day on the plane, I wasn’t just her dad—I was her safe place.
Guidance for single fathers on how to support their daughters through menstruation….
🩸 Understanding the Basics
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Learn what menstruation is and how it works.
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Understand the average age girls get their first period (usually between 10–15).
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Know the common symptoms: cramps, mood changes, fatigue, etc.
🎒 Be Practically Prepared
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Always carry emergency pads or tampons in your car, bag, or her backpack.
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Keep a small period kit at home, including:
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Pads/tampons
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Wet wipes
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Extra underwear
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Pain relief medicine (like ibuprofen)
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🗣️ Create Open Communication
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Let her know she can talk to you without shame or embarrassment.
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Be calm, supportive, and reassuring.
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Don’t avoid the topic—initiate the conversation gently if needed.
🧼 Teach Hygiene and Self-Care
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Show her how to change and dispose of pads properly.
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Emphasize the importance of washing hands before and after.
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Encourage daily hygiene routines (shower, clean underwear, etc.)
📚 Educate Together
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Read age-appropriate books or watch videos about periods together.
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Involve a trusted female relative, teacher, or counselor if needed.
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Help her track her cycle (apps or simple calendars work well).
❤️ Be Emotionally Supportive
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Reassure her that periods are normal and healthy.
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Be patient with mood swings or discomfort.
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Celebrate her maturity gently—maybe a small gesture like a note or treat.
🚫 What Not to Do
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Don’t make jokes or dismiss her feelings.
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Never force her to talk—let her open up at her pace.
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Avoid treating her like she’s fragile or “less capable” during her period.
