WHY #PADS4DADS?
Here at Hey Girls, we know that talking to young people about puberty can be awkward. Chatting about periods can be even harder, especially if you don’t experience them yourself. Obviously, every Dad is different – but many that we spoke to said they don’t know enough about periods to feel confident having ‘the chat’ with their kids. Chances are no one told them about periods when they were younger, or maybe they just feel a bit awkward and leave things to Mum.
We think it’s a bit nuts that around half the population has a period almost every month, but that they can still be seen as secret and shameful. We’re pushing for better education about periods in schools for all pupils so we can end the stigma around periods.
In the meantime, Dads have told us that they need a helping hand. So, we have created Pads 4 Dads – a quick overview by Dads for Dads – to help you have positive conversations with all your kids about periods.
4 in 10 Dads never learnt about periods at school
“Only 41% of Dads say they feel comfortable talking about periods with their kids, and nearly half haven’t chatted to their daughters about them”
45% of Dads are unsure what the signs are that a girl might be about to start her period
one in three dads have never purchased period products
Don’t wait for the perfect moment – there isn’t one. And don’t save everything up for one big chat.
It’s much easier to talk about difficult topics early and often. If periodscome up in conversation naturally – maybe you’re in the shop picking up tampons for your partner, or watching a movie which makes a reference to PMS – take the chance to chat.You don’t need to cover everything in one go and it will help to repeat the conversation a few times over the years.
If you live with a female partner or relative maybe have a think about ways of approaching the conversation together. Sometimes a joint approach works best.
As a rough guide, schools cover periods and puberty when kids are in their last year of primary school (so aged 10/11). For many girls, this will be TOO LATE. 15% of girls don’t know what’s happening when they start their period – which is scary. If your daughter is 8, it would be worth starting the conversation.
It’s much easier to talk about difficult topics early and often. If periodscome up in conversation naturally – maybe you’re in the shop picking up tampons for your partner, or watching a movie which makes a reference to PMS – take the chance to chat.You don’t need to cover everything in one go and it will help to repeat the conversation a few times over the years.
If you live with a female partner or relative maybe have a think about ways of approaching the conversation together. Sometimes a joint approach works best.
As a rough guide, schools cover periods and puberty when kids are in their last year of primary school (so aged 10/11). For many girls, this will be TOO LATE. 15% of girls don’t know what’s happening when they start their period – which is scary. If your daughter is 8, it would be worth starting the conversation.
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