Losing the first tooth is a rite of passage, not just for your kids but for parents as well! It’s one of the first moments when your child starts to feel more grown up and less like a little kid, and it’s also one of your first tests as a parent to see just how sneaky you can be when it’s time for the tooth fairy to make her first visit.
We’re not suggesting that lying to your kids is a good thing, but when it comes to the tooth fairy, we’re all about small steps that keep the parenting magic alive. It’s an opportunity to be creative and have fun watching how your kids react. These are the moments you’ll remember, and if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and not sure where to begin, we have you covered with essential tooth-fairy parenting tips.
Read a Book to Prepare
Get excited for the tooth fairy’s first visit by reading a book about who else, the tooth fairy! If your child is nervous about the tooth fairy or is anxious about that first tooth falling out, there’s a book for that. And it encourages reading as a family, which is always a good thing.
Wrap the Tooth Up Well with a Letter
Not only will this help amplify the magic and involve your child in the excitement, but it will also make it much easier to retrieve the tooth while your little one sleeps. Trust us, a loose tooth under a pillow is impossible to find in the dark; a tooth wrapped in a baggie with a folded note is much easier to casually collect at night.
Call the Tooth Fairy!
Did you know you can actually call the tooth fairy through a fun app that lets kids hear the tooth fairy’s outgoing message and leave a message of their own? They can listen to the tooth fairy’s voice and tell her all about their special tooth. Talk about magic.
Remember, Money is Not the Only Gift That Matters
Losing a tooth is a big deal, but the reward does not need to be money. Kids would be thrilled to receive any small token to mark the occasion. Think outside the box; offer a small trinket or tiny toy. Maybe leave a small piece of your child’s favorite candy (individually wrapped is best) or a coupon to get out of household chores for a day. It’s not the money that counts, but the thought.
Make Sure the Tooth Fairy Leaves a Personalized Note
Yes, kids want some sort of reward for their lost tooth — a small gift, a piece of candy, money — but that’s not all they appreciate. A note from the tooth fairy to them commemorating the occasion is always a fun surprise that kids love. You can type the message, do a handwritten card (if you’re good at masking your handwriting), and you can even download templates if you’re not feeling creative. If your kids love jokes, including a tooth-themed joke is always a hit. And remember, glitter is always a good idea. Messy, yes, but oh-so-fun for kids.
