So many of us overlook the fact that growing up is hard. Within a short period of time, children are forced to learn about the world around them and the people in it. They begin consuming solid foods, using the potty, walking, speaking, and learning how to do things on their own. Children must adapt quickly to the many changes going on with their bodies. This includes dealing with teething pain, getting loose primary teeth, and eventually losing those teeth. Considering the changes with the teeth alone, this can be quite a bit for a kiddo to handle. So, it definitely helps as a parent to introduce the Tooth Fairy. Understandably so, the Tooth Fairy can help children get excited about and feel comfortable with losing their baby teeth. What you might not realize, however, is that there are many different tooth fairy traditions you can consider introducing to your child.
Different Tooth Fairy Traditions
As a child yourself, you might have placed your tooth underneath your pillow at nighttime. And by the next morning, the Tooth Fairy retrieved it and gave you money in exchange. But the Tooth Fairy is a more versatile individual than you might have imagined. In fact, there are other locations your child can place their lost tooth other than under their pillow. In addition, there are different ways to alert the Tooth Fairy of a child’s lost tooth and various methods of rewarding.
Apart from the common under-the-pillow tradition, here are some other tooth fairy traditions you and your child might be interested in:
- Does your child have a tendency of shifting a lot in their sleep or tend to be a light sleeper? They might benefit from placing their lost tooth in a decorative dish (give them a chance to make or paint their own). They can also place their tooth in a tooth saver necklace that they can put near or under their pillow.
- Inform your child that if they take the time to thoroughly clean their lost tooth, their reward from the Tooth Fairy will be greater. (Make sure they aren’t cleaning their lost tooth near an open drain or other area where they might easily lose the tooth.)
- Have your child write a note for the Tooth Fairy. This note can be a way for your curious child to ask the Tooth Fairy questions or simply a method to say, “Thank you.” She just might respond back!
- Get crafty! Allow your kid to create a little sign that hangs on their door to help the Tooth Fairy find her destination. The sign might say something like, “Welcome, Tooth Fairy!” or or “Tooth Fairy, please stop here for [your child’s name].”
- Create a DIY Tooth Fairy door, so the Tooth Fairy has quick, easy access to where your child’s tooth is stored.
- Read Tooth Fairy-related stories with your child, or watch videos or shows featuring the Tooth Fairy at bedtime before she visits.
- Instead of having your child leave their tooth under or near their pillow, have them bury their tooth in the backyard. The Tooth Fairy can leave a special prize near where the tooth was buried.
- Keep track of the teeth your child loses with a tooth loss chart. It’s always interesting seeing how many teeth they’ve lost so far, which ones they’ve lost first, and how quickly they’re losing them!
Does the Tooth Fairy Always Leave Money?
The Tooth Fairy doesn’t always have to leave money. While most of the time she does, children enjoy more than just a little cash. It’s ultimately up to the parent(s) to decide what they’re comfortable with the Tooth Fairy leaving. Like we said, she’s versatile. And she wants to make your child happy in any way she can.
Apart from coins or dollar bills, the Tooth Fairy might instead leave:
- A coupon for free ice cream
- Activity sheets to entertain your child
- Sugar-free gum or a xylitol lollipop
- A certificate congratulating your child on their healthy tooth
- Fun-flavored chapstick
- A cute pair of socks
- Hair bows
- A cute journal or diary with a fun pen
- A little bottle filled with colorful glitter
- Kid-friendly tooth-brushing supplies
- A fairy necklace
- A foreign coin
- Fairy sticker sheets
- A tiny plushie
- A letter containing a sweet message or funny tooth-related joke
Is My Child Too Old for the Tooth Fairy?
As long as your child is still losing their primary tooth, they are never “too old” for the Tooth Fairy. The Tooth Fairy does need primary teeth, after all, and if your kiddo has what she needs, then she’d be more than happy to pay a visit.
However, if we must be honest here, some kids as they get older do get embarrassed with the Tooth Fairy. In this case, you can make arrangements with the Tooth Fairy to have your child exchange their lost tooth with you, the parent, instead. Sometimes this can be a way for an older child to enjoy losing a tooth that is second-best to getting a visit from the Tooth Fairy.
Are Tooth Fairy Traditions Necessary?
Let’s be honest: not all parents are fond of the Tooth Fairy. Some parents don’t believe children should be rewarded for a “normal” part of childhood development. In truth, the Tooth Fairy isn’t required. However, losing a tooth can be a very big deal for a child. Not to mention, it can also cause a lot of physical pain and inconvenience for a kid. They certainly deserve a little something in return! And, in truth, there are actually many advantages of following Tooth Fairy traditions.
The Benefits of Tooth Fairy Traditions
For one, the Tooth Fairy helps a child develop their imagination. Having good imagination can help a child gain creativity and innovation. In turn, this can assist them when it comes to forming friendships, succeeding in school, and thriving in a future career.
Secondly, giving up their lost tooth to the Tooth Fairy helps children practice sharing. Sharing is caring!
Another benefit of Tooth Fairy traditions? They can help your child better understand the concept of letting go. Some children have a difficult time parting with something (in this case, their baby tooth that was part of them for years). However, the fact that the Tooth Fairy takes your child’s tooth and exchanges it for something exciting helps children better process change and letting things go. And, not to mention, sometimes allowing change to happen can bring positive things in return.
Some parents also love the fact that the Tooth Fairy gives their child something to look forward to and allows them to sleep a little better at night. Plus, it helps communicate, “Hey, losing your tooth was hard, but you did GREAT!” And in the long haul, visits from the Tooth Fairy can give your child that extra boost they need to continue to properly care for their primary teeth. (The Tooth Fairy doesn’t want to pick up rotten teeth from children, after all! And no kid wants to disappoint the Tooth Fairy.)
While it’s up to you, the parent, to decide if you want to invite the Tooth Fairy inside your house, know that there are many awesome Tooth Fairy traditions you can pick from. That said, you’re certainly not limited!