the whole tooth - originally published 14 jul 04

This past week, our five-year-old son lost two baby teeth. It has been an interesting process to observe, as an adult. Somewhere along the way, he internalized that this is a positive thing: part of being a big boy, and growing up. The grown-up-colored glasses I wear now don’t show it as a particularly pleasant experience. Nonetheless, he has been very excited and proud, as each tooth worked its way loose.

Someone asked if we were going to save them. Frankly, they gross me out, so, um…no.

Several people asked what the “going rate” is from the Tooth Fairy. We didn’t know, so we just decided a quarter per tooth is plenty for a five-year-old. He seems to be okay with that; I just hope he doesn’t discuss it with his friends, who probably all get a dollar or a fiver.

So, weaving yet another story about a mythical creature (akin to the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus), the ritual began the first night. After expressing concern that the Tooth Fairy should not break windows to gain entry into his room, he placed the tooth in a little pillbox that we were given as a baby gift, and put it under his pillow. Thankfully, the Tooth Fairy did come and deliver her payment (despite my falling asleep and not remembering until I was on my way to work the next morning). Unfortunately, in her haste, she took the entire pillbox, tooth and all. Our son was very concerned in the morning about getting the box back. It was quickly explained that she mails them back after she gets back to her castle. Yeah, that’s right.

Imagine our relief to discover the pillbox was returned just in time for the second tooth. Whew. And this time, she remembered to leave the box. Must have been a slow night.

Our son has been saving his money for awhile now; he has a little pouch full of coins he has collected over the years. At one point a year or so ago, he was holding a “Penny Drive” to collect pennies. When asked what he’s going to do with it, he says he’s saving to buy something for someone who doesn’t have anything, like teeth for someone who doesn't have any teeth. I hope that’s his real desire, and not just the “right answer”. But that’s the thing about five-year-olds: you can’t tell. They’re still molding their personalities, and mirroring behavior that may be good or may be bad, and trying to figure out which is the more interesting.