The tooth fairy is a staple of childhood here in the United States. But where did this story come from, and why has it persisted throughout time?
The origins of the tooth fairy come from Europe and are somewhat new. Despite that fact, different civilizations have been celebrating, commemorating, and creating traditions around losing baby teeth for thousands of years. In fact, Vikings used to collect all of their baby teeth to then wear as a necklace around their neck.
With all of these different stories floating around, how do you know what to tell your kids? Kids are bound to hear different stories from friends, extended family members, and teachers at school.
Wayzata Dental might not have any tooth fairies working on staff, but we do know a thing or two about teeth. Here are some excellent ways to explain the tooth fairy to your kids!
First Things First, Are You Going Along With It?
We can’t dive too deep into how we’re going to tell the kids about it until we decide if we’re going along with it or not. Some parents will choose to go along with the idea of the tooth fairy, and other parents might not. Making a decision early on this will help when your child approaches you with questions.
At some point or another, it’s good to find a happy medium. Children are going to outgrow things like the tooth fairy and Santa Clause. If you’re not the one to answer their questions when they do begin to outgrow these ideas and stories, then you might lose some credibility in their eyes.
How do you know if they’re ready for the truth or not?
Understand What They’re Asking
It’s important that you know what your child is asking. Are they looking for you to reinforce the idea of the tooth fairy, or are they questioning whether or not it can really be a reality? This can be hard, but just like any other conversation, be willing to listen first. Ask questions and work to get a better understand of the answers they’re looking for so that you can answer most appropriately.
You might find you answer their question in one of two ways: “I love the tooth fairy, and fully believe in the magical way that your tooth turned into a quarter.” Or, “You’ve really grown up, and you’re getting very smart. The tooth fairy really is just for little kids.”
Before you do decide to tell them the latter or not, think about their age. You’re middle schooler telling their friends about the tooth fairy might not go over quite so well. But, at the same time, nobody likes it when a preschooler is ruining all the tooth fairy for all the other kids.
Be Gentle and Caring in Your Response
When you do have this conversation, we can’t stress enough how important it is to be gentle in the way that you respond. It’s hard to know how your child will react to learning about the truth of the tooth fairy. Unfortunately, some kids are going to take it harder than others and might shed a few tears. But, don’t let it bother you too much, it’s all part of growing up.
If your child isn’t the one to cry over things like this, then they might do just the opposite. Laughing about the tooth fairy and Santa, are fun ways to make light of the changes in reality that they might be experiencing. But, be careful not to let your child go and ruin the fun secret for everyone else.
Make it Your Best Kept Secret
After you’ve filled them in on what might the best-kept secret of their whole lives, they’re going to want to tell everyone! That’s not always bad, and it’s fun to be excited about it. But, instead of being the parent that everyone dislikes, make it a fun game with your kids.
If you’re able to turn the tooth fairy into a secret between just you and your kids, then the competition can be to see who can keep it a secret better. In almost no time, all the other kids will start to learn about the truth as well, and then it will seem like nothing ever happened.
We know losing teeth can be scary for kids. That’s why the tooth fairy is an essential part of kids growing up. It gives them something to look forward to in a scary and uncertain time.
The dentist’s office can be the same way. That’s why it’s crucial to find a dentist that works well kids, and that’s willing to answer questions and keep them entertained. If you’re looking for a dentist for your children, then we’d be honored if you’d consider Wayzata Dental. We offer laser dentistry options that can be performed more quickly and with little to absolutely no pain. You can learn more about our specialized services for kids here.
We hope to see you soon!