Dads Helping Daughters with Periods

A growing number of fathers are challenging the stigma surrounding menstruation by openly discussing it with their daughters. John Adams, a former stay-at-home dad, believes it's not just a teacher's job to educate about periods. He spoke to his daughters about what to expect, including potential pain and various sanitary products.

Roy, a widowed father, had no choice but to address the topic with his daughter. He started the conversation when she was nine, using books to explain what to expect. Roy emphasizes the importance of preparing children for life, which includes discussing periods, relationships, and other challenging topics.

Experts like Hannah Routledge from Hey Girls and Dr. Nighat Arif stress the importance of having multiple small conversations about periods rather than one big talk. They also highlight the need to include boys in these discussions to increase awareness and reduce stigma.

Dr. Christine Ekechi, a consultant gynaecologist, points out that fathers who are informed about menstruation make better colleagues and leaders. This openness can help reduce period stigma in the workplace and improve menstrual equity. Ultimately, these conversations can strengthen the bond between fathers and daughters.