The Going Rate For The Tooth Fairy
Losing your first tooth is a right of passage for kids and they all know the best part of the whole thing is waking up to see what the Tooth Fairy left them in exchange. It used to be a dollar or maybe two, but times have definitely changed and it seems the value of these tiny teeth has skyrocketed.
The tooth fairy is a popular mythical character in Western culture who is said to visit children when they lose a tooth. The tradition typically involves a child placing their lost tooth under their pillow before going to bed. During the night, the tooth fairy is believed to take the tooth and leave a small gift or money in its place. The idea of the tooth fairy is a fun and magical way to help children cope with the natural process of losing their baby teeth as they grow.
Believe it or not, according to the NY Post, now some kids are getting crisp $100 bills from the Tooth Fairy, as well as extras like fancy designer jewelry.
Even the Tooth Fairy is affected by inflation these days and it’s not uncommon for her to leave $20 under the pillow for the kid’s first lost tooth. But they’re not all worth that much. According to insurer Delta Dental, the going rate for a single lost tooth in 2023 was $6.23, that’s up from $5.36 in 2022, and the highest amount in the 25 years they’ve been tracking the amounts. They predict that at this rate, by 2048, the norm will be $30 for just one tooth.
Of course, some lucky kids are getting way more from their Tooth Fairy visits.
- This week, Chidera Nig, a mom from the U.K. told the “Wall Street Journal” that her daughter received $75, a letter, a silver fairy necklace and a Louis Vuitton bracelet for losing her first baby tooth.
- California mom Kokoa Lawson shares that her daughter got a $100 bill that was decorated with glitter and removable rhinestones.
- Former dentist Mark Burhenne, who runs AsktheDentist.com, says cash, videogames and sometimes even iPhones are now popular Tooth Fairy presents.
5 Life Lessons From Coaching Youth Sports
The Meaning of Hard Work
There’s no better feeling than working tirelessly for something you really want, and then accomplishing it. Especially if you are an underdog. You learn to enjoy the struggle. It makes the reward that much sweeter. The most valuable lesson from this piece is that once you dedicate yourself to putting in whatever it takes, this becomes a mindset. No win comes for free. You aren’t entitled to playing time. Both of those must be earned. There’s nothing wrong with reminding yourself of that while preaching to your kids about how to get playing time.
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The Importance of Exercise
Your definition of exercise might be a sweaty cardio workout in the gym. But as a coach, exercise has a broad meaning. Certainly, getting yourself outside with a team and teaching them the importance of stretching and preparing your body is essential to physical success. Coaching a sport like football, for example, your two hours a day on the field are laser-focused on just that. There, you are giving yourself some mental exercise, taking a break from all the other work, stress, or life-circumstances. You can forget everything else when you hit the field, court, or rink.
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Treat Everyone The Same, But Coach Them Differently
Whether you manage a soccer team or a sales team, you’re leading a collection of individuals. What makes your top performer tick is not the same as what makes a lesser player (or employee) with potential, tick. This lesson centers around relationship-building and listening. How you run your team is about you, and how your players apply these guidelines is about them.
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Nobody Is Going Pro At 10 Years Old...
…Nor are they getting a full scholarship offer to a top NCAA college at this age. You may see things in your kid or another on the team where your experience makes you think a certain player has a shot at the big time. But that time is not right now. Your coaching duty is to give the best experience possible to your players. How does creating an entire game plan around one super-talented 10-year old give the other 20 kids a fair chance? How does it give them a memorable experience? Or something to build off for next year. Or confidence. Again, those refereeing your games are most likely high school or college kids themselves. They’re just trying to work and earn some money. Again, cut them some slack.
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You Matter
Your tone in addressing your players, the refs, and the other team matters, too. Be cognizant of how you deliver your messages. You may have an incredibly impactful point to make, but if you don’t articulate it correctly, and cater to your audience, it can be useless. Coaching youth sports is about the overall experience, not the final score, and not the final record. Your stats don’t matter, your voice does.
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