If you mean, should a father know that his daughter has matured and has begun having menstrual periods, then yes. That is just part of being an understanding parent: knowing your own child, how she's doing, and what her needs might be.
Explain to your daughter that these body changes are completely normal. There is no shame or embarrassment in getting periods or occasionally staining her underwear. The menstrual cycle is a period of 21-45 days in which the uterus and ovaries respond to the changing levels of circulating hormones.
Make sure that your daughter knows that you are there to love and support her. Explain what is happening to your daughter's body, the changes she is going through, and the stages of puberty. Explain what a period is and what she can expect leading up to and during her period.
Fathers can and should talk periods
Be a positive part of it. Don't shy away, be supportive. That little girl you held in your arms is becoming a woman, it's scary (for both of you), hold onto each other. Help her grow into the confident woman she will become and you want her to be.
It is important for dads to be aware of what is going on in their daughters' lives, whether we're talking school, friendships or health—and that includes periods.
Boyfriend/ husband: Talking to your partner about period should be the easiest. They should know about your cycles, how your flow is and what you do about it. Given the intimate relationship you share with your partner, it wouldn't be too much to expect them to know your period dates.
Talking about menstruation early is a good idea. Girls get their first period as early as eight years old and as late as 15, although the average is around 12. If you prepare your daughter for what's coming it will make the experience much smoother for her.
Menarche refers to your first period, or your first time menstruating. Most people get their periods between 11 and 14. Signs of menarche include light bleeding, cramping and mood swings. Menarche marks an important milestone during puberty when you're capable of becoming pregnant.
When you first start having your period, it may last only a few days. Your first few periods may be very light. You may only see a few spots of reddish brown blood. Anywhere from 2 to 7 days is normal.
Most girls get their first period when they're around 12. But getting it any time between age 10 and 15 is OK. Every girl's body has its own schedule.
Avoid overwhelming her with demands
Do not prohibit her from engaging in physical activity or sports. Let her know that it might take time to get used to and she might have to be careful until she does, but reassure her that she can still continue to do everything that she used to.
Menarche is defined as the first menstrual period in a female adolescent. Menarche typically occurs between the ages of 10 and 16, with the average age of onset being 12.4 years.
Early puberty is a concern for many families. Talk with your pediatrician if your daughter develops signs of puberty, including breast development and pubic hair, before age 8. We also recommend making an appointment if your daughter does not begin menstruation by age 15.
Tell her that periods aren't shameful
But menstruation is a normal part of life and happens to 50 percent of the population. There's simply no room for shame anymore! During your conversation, it'll be great to mention that girls and women should stick together and support each other.
If your daughter has started her periods, it's a good idea to make her teacher aware.
In the years leading up to your first period, you'll notice changes in your nipples, chest and pubic hair. Your body will become more like an adult, and becoming pregnant will become possible. For most people, these changes become noticeable around ages 8–10, but can happen earlier or later than that (1,2).
If no breast or hair development: Age 13 to 14 for whites, age 12 to 13 for blacks. If there is breast development or hair (pubic or armpit)two years after either of these started.
Pubic hair – Once her pubic hair starts growing, you can expect her period to develop in one to two years. It may begin soft and thin but it will become courser and thicker towards the end of puberty.
Most girls get their first period when they're between 10 and 15 years old. The average age is 12, but every girl's body has its own schedule. Although there's no one right age for a girl to get her period, there are some clues that it will start soon.
When your child's period is coming, they might have a range of physical symptoms, including sore breasts, pimples and greasy hair. Your child might also have a sore tummy, feel sick or have diarrhoea. Period pain and these associated symptoms are common.
“It is not uncommon for girls to start their period as young as 8 or 9,” says Dr. Sara Kreckman, UnityPoint Health pediatrician. “This can be both emotionally and mentally challenging for girls this young, as well as their parents.”
Women in the study who got their first period at age 11 or younger were 80 percent more likely to have premature menopause, which is the relative risk compared to women who got their first periods later. And they had a 30 percent increased risk of early menopause, defined as by age 44.
Your first period should last anywhere from 2 to 7 days. It may be very light, with just a few spots of brownish blood. Or it may start and end more brownish, but be brighter red on heavier flow days.