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Who didn't love the Tooth Fairy (aka the Tooth Mouse) and her bountiful gifts growing up?
Simple as it may be, it's one of the most endearing childhood myths and makes for the best memories, as revealed by the sweet responses we received from our readers who loved the previously published R200 from the tooth fairy! What the South African mouse pays per tooth.
This particular childhood milestone incites such warm feelings that these parents and grandparents couldn't help sharing.
From the varying cost of kiddie choppers to precious moments they've encountered with their young ones, here's what Parent24 readers had to say:
The Tooth Fairy's going rate
The Mouse gets extra generous when it goes international
"We are South Africans staying in Qatar. For both our children, we have been placing Qr100 underneath their pillows, that’s R347 at today’s exchange rate."
– Anonymous
When myth becomes parenting strategy
"My daughter is 5 years old and looks after her teeth really well, I mean brushing twice a day and using kiddies Colgate according to age group, changing toothbrush monthly.
"So I promised her that when her first tooth fell out, depending on how clean and healthy it is, that’s the price she will get. I have been drilling this into her head since the age of two and it worked, it became a habit to look after her teeth.
"I also promised her that the day her first tooth fell out, if it is up to standard, I will buy her sweets and ice cream for that day and I did because it was so clean and fresh and I was so proud of her.
"It’s only been her first tooth that fell out thus far but the reward she got for looking after her teeth was so much that she continues doing it and teaches her brother as well.
"I think this is a good idea for many other parents and kids out there to look after their teeth, which is so important."
– Kind Regards, Preshanta
Pride and polish: Upping the price of those pearly whites
"I was sent a link to an article by Elizabeth Mamacos on the value of kids’ teeth and how much parents pay for these little gems.
"Coincidentally, I posted a video of my daughter Juliette (6) frantically cleaning her tooth to try and get as much as possible for it.
"I’ll share the link below. I got hundreds of comments from people all over the country sharing their thoughts on this clip.
"One of my friends who saw this felt the Juliette's clip explains it well."
– Herman Wallis
- Also see: A book of childhood memories
The magic of childhood
"My 4-year-old grandson came home from the game park with an animal tooth (probably a wildebeest). Brought it to us, we live next door and put it under my pillow for the tooth fairy.
"I forgot about it so slept all night with this tooth under my pillow. At 6.30 next morning, a knock on the door, Finn and his 6-year-old brother to check if the Tooth Fairy had been.
"Luckily the security gate was locked so they couldn’t run in so I had time to rush back and do a swap, a fifty rand note, all I had. The magic of childhood is so precious."
– Rosemary
How much does the Tooth Fairy pay for teeth in your home? Do you have any special memories about the Tooth Fairy from your childhood? Do you celebrate specific Tooth Fairy traditions in your family? Tell us by emailing to chatback@parent24.com and we could publish your letter. Do let us know if you'd like to stay anonymous.
Read more:
- Fire up your child’s creativity
- Do you use white lies to keep your kids in check? Don't worry you're not alone
- Will your child have happy memories?
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