Trouble with the Tooth Fairy

The average 20 year old is full of questions about life, love, the future, and when and where the next raging college pool party will be. While I too ask myself these extremely critical questions on a daily basis, I am faced with even more complex questions as well. Today I was faced with an incredibly interesting and perplexing question... When is it appropriate to stop playing Tooth Fairy with your kids?

Mind-blowing question right? Maybe not so much... But hey, I tend to take these things seriously! While none of the kids in this house are "mine" I still like to play the mother role in any way I can which includes Tooth Fairy duty. So when our 10 year old Zed lost one of his molars today, Big Mac and I were contemplating whether or not he is too old to be visited by the Tooth Fairy. 

About 10 minutes after bedtime there was a knock on our door. Mac answered and to no surprise it was Zed... 

"I forgot to tell you guys, I'm putting my tooth under my pillow. I just wanted to make sure you knew!" 

It was then clear to us that Zed no longer believed in the tooth fairy. Instead, he knew that Big Mac or I would be paying him for his tooth. So we started questioning... Is he getting too old for this?

We didn't want to break the poor kid's heart, but at the same time something about it just felt strange. Zed is almost the same size as me and sneaking into his room while he slept to swap the tooth under his pillow for a dollar seemed like it just wouldn't pan out the way it's supposed to... So I did what I always do when I am stumped with one of life's many questions: First, I googled it. Second, I texted my Mom. 

First, Google said: "A non-believer is a non-receiver!!!"

Then, Mom said: "DON'T BE A DREAM SLASHER"

After deeply considering both of these opinions and after further discussion with Mac we decided to meet somewhere in between the two and write Zed a little letter... Here it is: 

"Our Dearest Zed,

It has come to our attention that you no longer believe that the Tooth Fairy truly exists.  We realized this last night when you made clear to us that you would be placing your tooth under your pillow in exchange for tooth funds. It seems you have cracked the case and realized that the money comes from us... DARNIT! 

An an almost 5th grade, 10-year-old, non-believer, we are sad to say the Tooth Fairy will no longer be visiting you late at night while you sleep. HOWEVER, we would like to give you a few dollars for the rest of the teeth you have to lose... but under one condition... you must promise to always brush them! We love you very much and we are so thankful that you are growing up to be a wonderful boy! Have a great day!

With Love,

The "Tooth Fairy"

aka Bri & Mac

P.S.- Don't tell K-Boy"

In the morning, Zed had a big smile on his face. He told me he thought the letter was actually quite funny and he assured me that he had not yet revealed the truth to his younger brother.  I'm not so sure whether or not K-Boy knows the truth about the Tooth Fairy but something tells me he is a bit skeptical. I think I want to play along for at least a couple more of the little man's teeth but as for Zed, the Tooth Fairy ship has sailed.. Or the Tooth Fairy has forever flown away on her little fairy wings... Whatever floats your boat.

Until next time,

Bri