How did the tooth fairy get her wings?
Some people believe the tradition started with the Vikings, as a necklace made of teeth was considered good luck when a warrior went in to battle and so money would exchange hands for teeth! Others say the tradition started in ancient times when children were encouraged to bury their teeth in the ground, to prevent an evil witch or wizard finding them and entrapping the children. If this is the case, I can see how a “good “ tooth fairy would be needed!
What’s your view?
Not all parents are in agreement, as to whether or not they should perpetuate the myth of the tooth fairy, when it comes to their own children. Most believe it’s a fun way to make childhood magical, whilst others don’t wish their children to be set up for disappointment, when they eventually realise the truth. Do you enjoy playing the tooth fairy? Maybe your baby is only just starting to teethe- can you imagine this reverse scenario? Or every parents headache - you only have a five pound note in your purse or wallet and the tooth fairy is due?!
Are you ever too old to want to find some cash under your pillow?!
The majority of children continue to lose their teeth until they are 12 years of age! This can leave many parents wondering if they should continue the tooth fairy tradition — or if their kids should outgrow it, like they do their dummies and blankies. Or should they stop the tradition when their kids ask the question..... Is the tooth fairy real? Questioning things is all part of normal development. According to child psychologist and researcher Jean Piaget, children can’t actually distinguish between fantasy and reality until they reach the age of around 7 or 8 years. So that’s why they are so easily convinced by the concept of the tooth fairy, Santa and the Easter Bunny ( not your incredible story telling technique after all!)
So will you keep it going even if your child does one day realise it’s you after all? Maybe the best policy is just to smile and continue to leave a little something under his or her pillow. We all like to be a part of a tradition, children included and most enjoy the feeling of being little still- even when they are the verge of growing up. Older children like being in the know about things too, especially when they have younger brothers and sisters who still believe in the tooth fairy.
What if your child is scared of the tooth fairy?
This can sometimes happen. If this is the case, maybe let your child decide if they want a visit from the tooth fairy. Maybe your child doesn’t want to part with something they feel is part of them. If this is the case, maybe leave a note for the tooth fairy instead, to let her know the tooth has fallen out and see what she says! For the majority of children, the thought of exchanging a tooth for hard cash or a present appears to be incentive enough!
Forgetful Fairy!
It’s happened to all of us tooth fairies — we get busted in the act doing the under-the-pillow swap or forget to play the tooth fairy altogether. What should you do if you want to keep the tradition going?
Don’t panic- there are all sorts of ways to keep the tradition going!
Maybe say the tooth fairy has a special tooth calendar for all the children in the world and their tooth must have come out a little earlier than planned!
Or you could say the tooth fairy had a very busy night and must have been on the opposite side of the world last night! Bet she will come tonight!!
Or maybe your son or daughter hadn’t gone to bed as early as normal and so the tooth fairy couldn’t come, as they only come when kids go to bed on time!
Have you any suggestions on keeping the tradition going? Let us know! After all, don’t forget they went through some pretty tough teething times when they were younger, so I guess the odd bit of small change in exchange for these hard earned teeth isn’t too bad an idea!
Whilst we are on the subject, just what IS considered a fair rate of exchange these days?!
