Kids hit many milestones in the first several years of life. They also experience a lot of growth and change during this time. They may not remember things like taking their first steps or saying their first words, but one milestone they will be aware of is losing their first tooth. This can be a big deal to kids, so it’s important to do what you can as a parent to prepare them.
Talk to Them about What to Expect
Part of what can make kids feel a little anxious about losing their baby teeth is the novelty of the experience. They haven’t really experienced anything quite like this before, so it’s only natural to feel a little nervous. Maybe they’re worried about it hurting or that there will be blood. Talking to them about what to expect when they lose a tooth can help them feel more comfortable about the whole thing and make it seem a little less scary. It can also help them know what to do if they lose it while they’re at school.
Anticipate Their Concerns
Because this isn’t something new to you, it’s probably not that big of a deal for you as an adult. That’s not the case with kids, so you’ll need to anticipate their concerns and find ways to navigate them. Aside from talking about it, finding ways to help them feel excited about losing a tooth can help. Having them look forward to receiving something from the tooth fairy can get them excited. How you choose to present this milestone is up to you as the parent, so talk it over and decide what will work best for your family.
Read Books about It
Did you know that there are books about kids losing teeth? Reading some of them can help kids get more comfortable with the prospect of losing their own teeth. They’ll relate to the kids and internalize the experience a little. This helps normalize it so that when it’s their turn it isn’t so strange and unfamiliar. Maybe you can even use this as a way to introduce the concept of the tooth fairy.
As a parent, you’ve enjoyed the different milestones your child has hit. When it comes to losing baby teeth, your kid may feel a little anxious about this particular milestone. It’s a big change, and it’s something brand new. Take the time to prepare your child to lose their first baby tooth and watch their excitement grow for future teeth.
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