Q&A for How to Be the Tooth Fairy

Your child is going to be asleep, so you won't really need a costume. In case the child wakes up, just say, "I was just making sure the tooth fairy got your tooth and left your present."

If your child sees you holding the tooth and/or the gift in your hand, you should say "I was just making sure that the Tooth Fairy left you a gift and took your tooth, but it seems that she has forgotten your tooth. I'll go mail it to her right now" or something along those lines. But if your child has found out that you're the tooth fairy, then you will have deal honestly with him or her.

You don't have to! Your child should be asleep anyway, so they won't even see you.

Have a special pillow that has a pocket they can put the tooth in. Hang it off the door handle outside the bedroom and replace the tooth with the gift during the night. Or you can use the line "if you don't go to sleep the Tooth Fairy won't come."

That's okay if your child doesn't want to believe in the tooth fairy. Talk to your child about why parents do tell their kids the story of the tooth fairy (usually because it helps young children not be afraid of losing their teeth), and decide together if you still want to follow the tradition.

If it is your child, explain gently that the tooth fairy is not real. You will have to be honest and it's also time to suggest the child is growing up.

You can keep it or throw it away. It's really up to you. Some parents like to hold onto them as a memento.

Make an excuse, like 'the tooth fairy couldn't come through all this rain.' or ' the tooth fairy is sick.' That way, you still have a little while for preparation and can put the money down the next night.

If they are older, then you should tell them, to avoid people making fun of them. If they are younger, then you can say, "Maybe they don't believe in that. Others can believe this, too." If you can't tell them yourself, then maybe have a grandparent or your partner tell them.

If the tooth gets lost before the visit, help the child in writing a letter to the tooth fairy, explaining the situation. Reassure them that the fairy will accept the letter as well. You could also write a small note from the fairy in return, praising the child for informing her about the teeth.

Tell him that the tooth fairy is a really sweet, friendly, and generous fairy. Most kids are pretty satisfied with this answer, and they'll let go. If he brings up the topic of money, say that the tooth fairy gives out a specific amount of money based on the quality of the tooth. This will make him want to brush his teeth more often, and you'll be able to give out whatever cash you want.

They can use them to build things back in fairyland or grind them up into fairy dust! They can also use them to make fairy currency, give them as gifts to other fairies, or carve them. Another idea is that they keep them as souvenirs.

Losing teeth is a significant milestone for children. They may not like the idea of losing teeth, so if they get a small amount of money, it can help them deal with it.