How to Tell Your Dad You Got Your Period

Telling Your Dad in Person

Find a time where you can talk to your dad in private. You likely know his schedule pretty well, so you should know when he will be home from work and will have time to talk to you. Ask him if you can talk to him about something important at that time: “Dad, can we talk about something important after dinner?” If he tells you that it is not a good time, ask him to tell you when he will have time to talk to you for a couple of minutes.

Remember that your dad knows what menstrual cycles are. Even if your mom is not present, your dad has at least a basic understanding of menstrual cycles. He might have learned about it in school. He will probably have some knowledge about it due to living with his own female relatives.

Prepare what you want to say to him. If you are your dad's first child, he might not be expecting you to start your period. It would be best to not ambush him with this news, as that will make the conversation awkward. Be clear in what you are talking about, but ease into the conversation. “Dad, I need you to know about a change in my life. I've started my period.” “Dad, I want to be honest with you about what's going on with me. You need to know that my period started.” “I don't want this to be too awkward, but I started my period.” “I know this is a little bit uncomfortable, but my monthly cycle started.”

Plan to ask your dad for help in getting the supplies you need, if necessary. If your mom is not available, then your dad will be responsible for helping you get the supplies you need. “Can you take me to the store to get period products?” “Would you mind giving me money so that I can go buy pads?” “Do you mind picking up pads/tampons for me the next time you're at the store?” “I've been experiencing cramps, so I think I need a pain reliever.” “I have a headache, and I need pain reliever to help with that.”

Remain calm. It does feel scary or nerve-wracking, but if you stay calm, then your dad will stay calm, too. Take deep breaths and focus yourself. Do not give your dad any reason to believe that something is wrong. Getting your period is natural and expected, so you do not want to scare your dad into thinking that you are ill or injured.

Tell your dad the news when you are able to have the conversation with him. When the time comes for you to sit down with your dad and tell him, it is important to follow through. Avoid acting embarrassed or awkward. He will pick up on those emotions and mirror them, making the situation uncomfortable for both of you. Instead, be confident when telling him. There is no need to have a long, drawn-out conversation. Tell him what he needs to know, ask for whatever help you need, and bring the conversation to a close.

If it makes you more comfortable, suggest that you come up with a code word for your period. This could make talking about your period funnier and more discreet. “Aunt Flow” “Monthly visitor” “Red wave/red sea” “Crimson wave” "My little friend"

Thank your dad for supporting you and taking care of you. Your dad wants what is best for you, and he wants to help you stay healthy and happy. “Thanks for understanding and supporting me, Dad.” “I appreciate that you took the time to talk with me about this.” “Dad, thank you for being here for me.”

Telling Your Dad in a Note

Keep in mind that your dad knows what menstrual cycles are. Regardless of whether your mom is present in your life, your dad almost certainly has an understanding of periods..

Plan a draft of what you want to say to him. Some people communicate better in writing than in speaking, so use that to your advantage. Come up with an outline of what you want to tell him. “Dad, you should know that I started my period.” “There's been a change in my life lately, and it's that I got my period.” “I felt uncomfortable telling you in person, and this feels easier to me.” “I was afraid it would get too awkward if I told you in person.” “I need period products, so can we go to the store?” “Can you give me money to buy pads?” “I need a pain reliever for my cramps.”

Make a suggestion that you come up with a code word for your period. This could make talking about your period funnier and more discreet. “Aunt Flow” “Monthly visitor” “Red wave/red sea” “Crimson wave”

Thank your dad for supporting you and taking care of you. He wants to be able to help you, and he wants what is best for you. “Thanks for understanding and supporting me, Dad.” “I appreciate that I could find a way to tell you about this.” “Dad, thank you for always being there for me.”

Find a nice piece of stationery paper or a small notecard. You do not need to write him a long letter all about how you got your period. Keep it short and to the point, and use an appropriately-sized sheet of paper or card to do this.

Write your note to your father. You want to make sure you tell him what is going on and what you need from him, which you planned in Step 2. Use clear, legible handwriting so that your father can read your note. Start the note with a greeting such as “Dear Dad” or “Hi Dad.” End your note with a closing such as, “Love, Susie” or “Thank you, Kai.”

Slide your note into an envelope and seal it. If you chose a small notecard for your note, it probably has an envelope. Otherwise, you can fold up your paper and slide it into a mailing envelope. You can seal the envelope by licking it yourself, or you can use an envelope moistener or a damp sponge. On the front of the envelope, address your dad by writing, “Dad,” “Daddy,” or “Father.”

Leave the note for your dad where he will find it. Consider rooms in the house your dad frequently visits or items he frequently uses, such as his briefcase or laptop bag. Avoid leaving your note in a public place where someone else might pick it up. Leave your note where he will see it, such as on a counter near a gadget he often uses, inside his briefcase, or on his desk.

Follow up with your dad to confirm that he read your note. If your dad does not approach you about the note, it is a good idea to ask him in a day or so if he read it. (Be sure to ask him in person). This way, you can know that he knows that you got your period and can help you get supplies. Be confident when you follow up with him. Ask him, “Did you get my note?” and let him know that you need to go to the store if that is the case.