Let’s talk periods – our top 5 tips for dads

More than half of dads in Australia don’t know about the hormones related to the menstrual cycle. And 60% of dads aren’t sure when they should take their child to the doctor for a period-related concern. These were a few of the findings from a recent survey by Share the Dignity, an Australian charity focused on period poverty.

While you don’t need to give your children a TED Talk about periods, it’s important to know the basics and how you can help.

Here are our top tips for dads for talking about periods with children of all genders.

1. Learn the basics

You don’t need to know everything about periods and the menstrual cycle, but understanding the basics can help you to respond calmly and answer questions when they come up.

Treating periods as a normal and natural process – rather than embarrassing or ‘women’s business’ – can also help children feel less shame and secrecy around their bodies as they grow.

Periods can start as young as 8 years of age, but questions can come up earlier. It’s important for parents to feel prepared as well.

Familiarise yourself with period products (pads, tampons, menstrual cups and period underwear) and have some on hand, just in case.

You could also find an age-appropriate video about periods and watch it together with your child. These types of resources might be especially important if you are a single parent or you co-parent across households.

2. Use the correct words

Your daughter might start learning about periods at school. Using the correct words creates consistency at home. It can also reduce stigma and embarrassment.

Use correct terminology, such as:

• period or periods – when blood comes out of the vagina every menstrual cycle
• vagina – the internal tube that connects the vulva to the lower part of the womb (uterus)
• vulva – the outside part of the female genitals
• uterus – the womb
• ovaries – small oval-shaped organs that store eggs
• menstrual cycle – a natural process in the female reproductive system.

Using nicknames is also fine, as long as your child knows the correct names as well. And remember, when adults are comfortable saying the words, kids usually are too.

3. Be part of conversations

Even if another parent is leading these discussions at first, it helps when dads show they’re open to talking about it.

Simply saying, “You can always ask me questions too,” can make a big difference.

If you have a son or another child who doesn’t get periods, it’s also helpful to normalise periods for them.

You could try buying period products together at the supermarket for someone in the household. This shows that periods are nothing to panic about, and that periods are a healthy and normal part of family life.

Remember, talking about periods isn’t just one discussion. You can keep checking in and adding information over time.

4. Don’t make jokes about it

Jokes and comments about mood swings or ‘crazy’ hormones can feed into feelings of shame and stigma. If humour comes up, keep it kind and respectful.

It’s important your children know they can come to you if something goes wrong or if they have questions.

This might be the first time they are learning about periods and it’s important they can talk to you about it without feeling shame or embarrassment.

5. Remember you’re modelling behaviour

How parents react to periods teaches kids how to treat the topic in everyday life.

When boys grow up with periods being discussed respectfully, they can be more likely to replicate this in their friendships, relationships and workplaces.

If you have a child who is due to get their first period, let them know you’re there if they ever need to talk. If you don’t have the answers to a question, let them know you can look it up together or you will come back to them with the answer soon.

You don’t need to know it all or have the ‘perfect’ words every time. What matters most is removing the awkwardness and showing you’re open.

You could also help create a positive association with periods by celebrating the milestone when your child gets their first period. This could be with a little gift, like their favourite chocolate, and chatting about how they would like you to show up with support each month.