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Navigating the inconsistent world of fairy finances can be a challenge for both kids and parents.
When my daughter lost her first tooth just weeks after turning five, I was caught off guard. I had no idea baby teeth could start falling out so early! A quick search revealed that most kids lose their teeth around ages 6 or 7. To complicate matters, her adult tooth had already emerged behind the baby tooth, leading me to wonder if a visit to the dentist was necessary.
But before I could figure that out, my daughter knocked on the bathroom door. “The Tooth Fairy is coming tonight, right? Will she wake me up, or…?”
It was February 2021, and I hadn’t stepped foot in a grocery store or bank for a year due to the pandemic. I had zero cash, and my debit card had just expired.
A quick Twitter poll about the going rate for teeth had me in shock. Responses ranged from $1 to $20, with most hovering around $5 to $10. The national average is less than $4, but I was clueless at the time. I was hoping for something in the middle—perhaps a handwritten note with a cheerful “yay” or a couple of bucks.
Suddenly, I felt overwhelmed by this typical parenting moment, which brought back memories of my own childhood disappointments. Why was the Tooth Fairy, Santa, and the Easter Bunny so generous to my friends but not to me? As a kid, I often had to settle for a quarter instead of a dollar like some of my classmates.
My husband, who grew up in rural Idaho, received unique coins like half dollars, which felt like a fortune compared to my measly quarter. I liked the idea of odd change, but it was late at night, and ATMs don’t dispense singles or $2 bills, so my husband and I rummaged through our pockets and finally found two dollars in the glove compartment.
The next morning, my daughter joyously ran through the house, waving her cash and shouting, “I’m rich! I’m rich!” After proudly calling her grandparents and relatives to share her news, I pulled her in for a hug. “Just so you know, there are many tooth fairies out there, and they all give different amounts. I told our Tooth Fairy that two bucks is plenty.”
“WHAT?” she exclaimed, her eyes wide. “I could have gotten more?”
“I love that the Tooth Fairy wants to see your beautiful teeth while you sleep,” I explained, ignoring her confusion. “But I’m the one who helped you care for them and even helped you pull that tooth out. Why should the Tooth Fairy take all the credit? Here’s the deal: I’ll match your money so you can buy something special from me.”
After some thought, she asked, “Will my fairy give a little extra to someone else who needs it?”
I nodded, and she agreed to the deal, which made me proud. My daughter was willing to share her imaginary wealth with someone else in need, showing she understood the inequalities of the fairy financial system before it could catch her off guard.
However, that high moment didn’t last long. A few months later, my daughter’s best friend lost her first tooth and proudly displayed a crumpled twenty-dollar bill. “Oh, wow. That makes me sad,” my daughter said, slumping on the couch.
I heard her friend’s mom sigh, “Our Tooth Fairy couldn’t make it to the bank last night.” Ouch. Tears followed. “Some things feel really unfair,” I told her, recalling how nice it would have been to hear that when I was a child. “Do you want me to talk to your fairy?”
She shook her head. “My extra went to my best friend, and she really needs it. I’m just sad.”
We’ve been through three teeth with this arrangement now. I keep a stash of singles on hand, just in case, and our Tooth Fairy is getting good at writing notes with her non-dominant hand.
My six-year-old is asking tough questions about life. Why did the pandemic affect her childhood but not mine? Why aren’t other kids still masking up? But instead of wondering why some fairies favor kids with more privilege, she’s asking, “Is my extra going to someone who needs it right now?” That’s the kind of magic only her Tooth Fairy can provide.
For more parenting insights, check out our other blog posts, including tips on booster seats and more about navigating childhood adventures. Also, for those interested in family planning, you can find excellent resources at Resolve and Make a Mom.
Summary
The article explores the challenges of explaining the Tooth Fairy’s varying generosity to children. It reflects on personal childhood experiences of feeling left out and emphasizes the importance of teaching children about fairness and sharing.
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Keyphrase: Tooth Fairy fairness discussion
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