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perth · 07-06-2004, 05:31 PM

When I was 5 I think, after losing a tooth I told my mom I didn't believe in the tooth fairy. Her reply, I don't exactly remember, but it was something implying that if I didn't believe then maybe she wouldn't be able to visit.

I went to bed that night confident in my belief that my mother would be in shortly to deposit a gift under my pillow. I awoke at about 2 AM and was horrified to discover the tooth still there. I ran crying to my mother's room, professing my very deep and hearfelt belief in the Tooth Fairy. She calmed me and explained that the Tooth Fairy was probably running late but that I was most assuredly on the list. She tucked me back in, sang me a song and left the room. I closed my eyes and did my best to fall asleep. About five minutes later I heard the door open and after a moment felt a hand slip under my pillow. I could also vaguely smell my mother's perfume, but I kept my eyes closed the whole time in what I'm sure was a poor impression of being asleep.

After the door closed, I tucked my hand under the pillow and found the "Tooth Fairy" had left not only a quarter, but a sticker book with stickers.

That night I learned a couple important lessons. First of all, I knew for a fact that the Tooth Fairy didn't exist. Second of all, I gained a slightly better understanding of just how much my mother loved me.

Shortly after Jamey was born, I remembered this incident, and learned a harsher lesson. The falsehoods we are taught as children are often more important than the truths. Fantasy is part of growing up, and there is no easy way of letting that go. And so you really shouldn't. I think the best you can do is allow children to have that fantasy. Without tearing it away from them, show them the truth while at the same time reaffirming the idea that fantasy is and important and a precious part of being a child.

I've mentioned it before in the Santa Claus thread somewhere, but my plan is to make sure Jamey gets the experience of Santa Claus and the like. But I intend to treat it as a fun game of pretend to enhance the true experiences.

Edit: I might have the age wrong, all I really remember is that I wasn't in school (may have been summer break) and that the Transformers were hugely popular.

07-06-2004, 05:31 PM	#3
perth Strong Silent Type Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 1,949	When I was 5 I think, after losing a tooth I told my mom I didn't believe in the tooth fairy. Her reply, I don't exactly remember, but it was something implying that if I didn't believe then maybe she wouldn't be able to visit. I went to bed that night confident in my belief that my mother would be in shortly to deposit a gift under my pillow. I awoke at about 2 AM and was horrified to discover the tooth still there. I ran crying to my mother's room, professing my very deep and hearfelt belief in the Tooth Fairy. She calmed me and explained that the Tooth Fairy was probably running late but that I was most assuredly on the list. She tucked me back in, sang me a song and left the room. I closed my eyes and did my best to fall asleep. About five minutes later I heard the door open and after a moment felt a hand slip under my pillow. I could also vaguely smell my mother's perfume, but I kept my eyes closed the whole time in what I'm sure was a poor impression of being asleep. After the door closed, I tucked my hand under the pillow and found the "Tooth Fairy" had left not only a quarter, but a sticker book with stickers. That night I learned a couple important lessons. First of all, I knew for a fact that the Tooth Fairy didn't exist. Second of all, I gained a slightly better understanding of just how much my mother loved me. Shortly after Jamey was born, I remembered this incident, and learned a harsher lesson. The falsehoods we are taught as children are often more important than the truths. Fantasy is part of growing up, and there is no easy way of letting that go. And so you really shouldn't. I think the best you can do is allow children to have that fantasy. Without tearing it away from them, show them the truth while at the same time reaffirming the idea that fantasy is and important and a precious part of being a child. I've mentioned it before in the Santa Claus thread somewhere, but my plan is to make sure Jamey gets the experience of Santa Claus and the like. But I intend to treat it as a fun game of pretend to enhance the true experiences. Edit: I might have the age wrong, all I really remember is that I wasn't in school (may have been summer break) and that the Transformers were hugely popular.