According to Statista, over one million single Black American dads are in the US. These dads have several concerns but one item that’s always included on the list is helping their daughters through their first period. Though they know it’s inevitable, many fathers don’t have the resources to learn what to expect and how to help.
5 Ways You Can Help
1. Do Your Research
With millions of single dads out there, information about periods is more readily available than before. There are resources online, at the doctor’s office, at community centers, at school, and at church that can guide you. The key is to gather everything you can about what to expect as well as the feminine hygiene products you need to get.
2. Have the Talk
You never want to wait until your daughter’s period arrives to talk about it. Experts recommend starting dialog a few months before the expected age of menstruation. You should also have reminder talks about what to expect leading up to the first period, what the first one might be like, and how to use feminine hygiene products. You should also encourage her to talk to you about what she’s feeling and the changes in her body.
3. Be Supportive
The first period can mark major changes in your daughter’s body and mood. You mustn’t brush off anything she tells you as being insignificant. What matters is that it’s new to her and she needs your support.
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4. Get Prepared
A period isn’t something you want to be unprepared for – especially since it might not start when she’s at home. During your research, find out what’s best for someone who’s just started menstruating and stock up on those. You should also put together a little period kit that your daughter can bring with her when she leaves the house. This kit should include feminine hygiene products, a change of underwear, toilet paper or wipes, and painkillers.
5. Mark the Moment
It doesn’t have to be a big thing but your daughter might appreciate your acknowledgement of her change. You can get her flowers, her favorite chocolate, or something related to one of her hobbies.
Signs Her First Period is on its Way
Though girls can start menstruating between nine and 15, several factors can influence this. The list includes family history, ethnicity, environmental factors, and body mass index (BMI). Studies show that girls can start getting their periods at around the same age as their mothers and Black girls can hit that puberty milestone from as early as eight. Additionally, people who are overweight may take longer to start menstruating or have irregular periods.
Still, there are ways to tell if your daughter’s first period is on its way. These include having a growth spurt, developing breasts, getting acne, mood changes, and bloating. Three signs you won’t be able to see are tender breasts, growing pubic hair, and vaginal discharge but you should encourage your daughter to tell you if she experiences them.
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How to Know if She Needs a Doctor
While many young girls have no issues with their menstrual cycles, some of them aren’t as lucky. The first sign your daughter may need to see a doctor is that she hasn’t started menstruating by the age of 16 as the average age range of menstruation is nine to 15. Of course, some people may fall outside of this but it’s rare. It’s more likely that something may be causing your daughter’s body not to produce the hormones that spark the beginning of the menstrual cycle.
Another sign is if she’s having significant pain. Some cramps can be normal with menstruation but if your daughter’s pain has her doubled over, over-the-counter painkillers don’t work. If she can’t carry out her daily activities, she needs a doctor. Some conditions that can cause significant pain include polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. A chronic illness isn’t necessarily the cause for her painful cramps but at least, she can receive stronger painkillers.
Finally, bleeding heavily generally needs to be investigated. Menstrual flow varies but if your daughter needs to change her sanitary napkin or tampon every hour or less, that’s too heavy. She runs the risk of becoming anemic. PCOS and endometriosis can cause this as well.
Studies show that many single fathers are at a loss when it comes to their daughters’ periods. Fortunately, there’s a lot of information and support available for you. You can help your daughter know what to do and see a doctor if she needs to.
