WATCH: A South African dad's heartfelt gesture for his daughter's first period
Image: Hawkii / Pexels
For many young girls, their first period arrives unexpectedly and often without the proper supplies on hand.
That's exactly what happened to one South African dad's daughter while she was playing a game of netball.
TikToker @Jolinkomo shared that he was away in Johannesburg when he received a call with the news that his daughter had just started her period for the first time.
With no sanitary products available, she had to make do with toilet paper.
The moment hit him hard because he knew how difficult it can be for young girls to manage their periods, especially without support or access to proper menstrual products.
Determined to be there for his daughter in any way he could, he decided to take action.
He recorded a heartfelt TikTok where he called on other fathers to step up and support their daughters during this important phase of their lives.
He proudly showed viewers the period kit he put together for his daughter, his first time ever buying sanitary pads.
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He chose a small pink bag and carefully packed it with essentials, which include a pack of pads, pantyliners, a bar of soap, painkillers, deodorant, and a small towel.
'This is for my beautiful princess,' he said, explaining that love and presence matter deeply, even if dads can't fully understand the experience of menstruation themselves.
As a sweet surprise, he also bought her flowers and some of her favourite treats to welcome her home from school and remind her how loved she is.
The response online was overwhelmingly positive.
TikTok users flooded the comments with praise for his thoughtful gesture.
'I'm so proud of you. You are the best dad ever,' one person wrote.
Another added, 'This is so beautiful. Creating a safe space with your daughter. This is big. I hope other fathers are taking notes.'
Women also chimed in with helpful suggestions for improving the kit, recommending unscented wipes and advising him to use Brufen instead of Disprin, since the latter is a blood thinner.
This dad's simple but powerful act of love is more than just a kind gesture.
It's a reminder to all fathers that being involved, informed, and supportive during their daughters' life changes can make a lasting impact.
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