The Boy Suspects

While visiting with my parents, the boy lost another tooth. Actually, it was more like he decided to pull it out than he “lost” it. Regardless, the result was the same. Namely, there’s a big gap in his mouth where a tooth used to be and he had a trade item for the Tooth Fairy.

But would the Tooth Fairy know that he’d lost his tooth if he wasn’t home?

It seemed to me that this wasn’t the first time he’d lost a tooth away from home, but I wasn’t going to go there. He did his thing wrapping the tooth up and then set it under his pillow. The Tooth Fairy delivered $5 for his tooth this time. JACKPOT!

The following day, while waiting for Grandpa in the Lowe’s parking lot, the boy asked “Dad, is the Tooth Fairy real?”

I had about a half-a-moment to decide how to play this scenario. I could exuberantly say things like “Of course!” or I could say something like “No.” I opted for door number three:

“Why do you ask?”

I figured I’d see what line of reasoning had led him to ask the question.

“Well, I think that probably you and Mom or Grandma and Grandpa just took my tooth and gave me $5. It just doesn’t seem like the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus are really real. I think parents do all that stuff.”

He said all this kind of sheepishly- like he had stumbled upon a great truth that he didn’t particularly like. At that moment, he seemed like an older boy who wanted to be a little boy. He also seemed kind of hesitant in his answer, perhaps that was just his hope that there really was that kind of magic in the world.

I continued to be non-committal, “Do you really think parents would go through all that trouble? That we’d put that much work into Christmas and Easter and every time you lose a tooth?” I had a smirk on my face the whole time- couldn’t help myself. I’m not sure how he interpreted it.

He seemed to think about it a bit, and then said “I don’t know.” I waited a bit more, watching him he seemed to be trying to make a decision of some sort.

Finally, he said “Nevermind.”

And that was it.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit sad that he has figured it out, mostly. Even if he doesn’t want to completely believe it yet, he’s clearly growing up and his ability to apply logic and reason are leading him places that are probably uncomfortable for him to go. The little boy is giving way to something else. With that, some of the fun that the Wife and I had listening to them talk about magic and myth will pass.

On the other hand, I felt a sort of pride that he has started to reason it out. I don’t know if this is the normal time for kids to do so, it seems likely, but either way it was a process he’d have to undergo sooner or later. I’m sure it won’t be entirely easy for him, and when he finally makes up his mind I’m sure he’ll be disappointed.

But Mom and Dad will still be there for him, just like we always have.