Tooth Fairy :: A Few Do’s And Don’ts
My youngest lost a tooth today. Now it wasn’t the first tooth she lost, more like the fourth. She was so proud of that lost tooth, because she knew it was a profitable moment for her. I had to scramble to make sure I had cash to play tooth fairy, as I rarely have cash on me. In that moment I wondered what idiot created the Tooth Fairy. And we as parents are completely stuck selling this dream.
I can admit that I have made a few mistakes along the way when it comes to the Tooth Fairy, and I want to share some of my do’s and don’ts.
Do Invest in the Tooth Chest
Get some sort of keepsake to keep the teeth that the Fairy collects. I did not do this. I have a jewelry box full of random teeth, I don’t know which tooth belongs to which child. It is just gross! If they ever find them, I have no answer to why I have them… I should probably work on that excuse. Use my mistake as a lesson to get the keepsake.
Don’t do Fairy Dust
Don’t do it! When my oldest lost her first tooth, a friend suggested I do Fairy dust. Big Mistake! Fairy dust is a trail of glitter that the Fairy has left as proof of her visit. But isn’t the money proof? So now, when I get up to play Tooth Fairy, I also have to leave dust. My wonderful husband told our girls that she comes through the drains, so I have to sprinkle the dust near an open drain. I will be honest; my kids get more excitement out of seeing where she left the dust than the money she leaves. But for me it is just one extra thing to clean.
Do Remain Consistent on How Much the Fairy Leaves
In my house the Fairy leaves $20 for the first tooth. A bit excessive I admit, but I was totally unprepared the first time a kid lost a tooth and that is all I had. So, the next kid got a $20 too. All other teeth are $2. I suggest starting lower on the first tooth, but I was unprepared. A small dollar amount is suggested because there will be a time when those teeth will fall days apart. This can easily put a dent in your wallet.
Don’t Forget to Set an Alarm
As parents we are all tired. While we would like to believe that we won’t forget to wake up in the middle of the night to play Fairy, there is a huge possibility that we might. Set an alarm to wake you up to leave the goods. Imagine how horrible it would be for your little one to wake up to their tooth under their pillow.
Do Let Them Believe as Long as Possible
I know it’s cliche, but these really are the good years. When our kids are young, innocent and they see the good in the world. The pride and excitement in my kids eyes to show me their tooth is priceless. It is bittersweet to see their innocence and sad reminder that they are growing up. So even though it is an expensive task, I gladly do it to see them smile.
