A Tooth Fairy Survival Kit

(5 things every parent needs to assemble by their child's 5th birthday)

1. Books about losing teeth, the Tooth Fairy, and the dentist. Having a piece of your body fall off unexpectedly is very traumatic. Enough said.
2. Small containers to keep loose teeth in until bedtime. As soon as the tooth comes out, secure it in a clear plastic vial with a string attached, so he can wear it around his neck. Children love to look at and share their bloody trophy. Doing this prevents lost teeth and having to assure the child that the Tooth Fairy will find it. (It's very hard to explain when he finds the tooth inside a Lego under his bed 6 months later!)
3. A secret stash of money. I can't stress this enough. In today's world, credit and debit cards are what most people carry, but don't get caught on a Tooth Fairy night with no cash. I once had to leave an IOU explaining that the Tooth Fairy was on vacation in Tahiti. (Hey, it was late...) Also, a quarter is rarely acceptable, you can't buy much with one. My child's friend got $20 for a tooth, I am told, but that's too much. If the tooth was knocked out accidentally, I'd pay $5, but if it gets pulled for having cavities, maybe a quarter is appropriate. Use your best judgment.
4. A secret hiding place for collected teeth. If you don't get caught with them, you don't have to explain how you got them from the Tooth Fairy, and you can avoid causing Edgar Allan Poe type nightmares.
5. Lots of answers and a sense of humor. Be prepared to explain why he has to give his coolest tooth away. (“She is building a huge castle!” or “If you really want to keep it, you could write her a nice note asking her.”) Be sure to have fun with the spaces in their faces, for they will soon be moving into their own places.