Is it good to promote fictitious characters to children?
My daughter has just lost her first tooth and she was so pleased. From the moment she realised that she had a wobbly tooth she couldn’t wait for it to come out – so that it would be replaced by the tooth fairy, with a small payment. But, one of the first things she asked, as I tucked her in (and the tooth) for the night was, “Is there really such a thing as the tooth fairy?” This certainly made me think.
“Is it good to promote fictitious characters to children?”
In early childhood, I am sure that most people can remember being eager for a wobbly tooth to fall out. Stories of a fairy collecting lost teeth placed beneath a child’s pillow, replacing it with some small amount of money was something most of us took delight in.
It has been reported that some parents believe that it is wrong and that we are telling lies to manipulate children. Although I can see it as harmless, I have never relied on a mythical creature or person to encourage mine to be good. Instead, I have chosen to teach values and giving. Hopefully, through my acts of charity, there are signs to show them how to find real satisfaction and fulfilment.
Admittedly, as a child I loved the magic of Christmas but as I matured I realised that there was more to it. My eldest son doesn’t believe in Santa but in the true meaning of the holiday and I have been encouraging my younger children to think of how to bring happiness to others.
But, for now I have been replicating some of that magic. So, as I struggle to feel for the lost teeth (at silly o’clock) from beneath their pillows, I still delight in the shouts of glee – when they wake up in the morning with a shiny pound in their hands.
