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How does my child feel about losing baby teeth?
Under the pressure of the definitive teeth, the milk teeth begin, one after the other, to move and then to fall, leaving a clearly visible hole in the jaw. This transformation usually takes place around the child’s 6 years old.. “The loss of baby teeth marks the transition from infancy to early childhood. This can be impressive because for a while the child does not feel quite the same as before, and everyone notices it. To this can be added anxiety, for some, not knowing if the new tooth will really grow and if it will grow straight. And finally, the responsibility of having to pay close attention to this definitive tooth that will come out and stay forever… ”, explains Catherine Meulemans, art therapist in the Bouches-du-Rhône (13). In addition, when the tooth bleeds when falling or if it comes off during a fall or when biting into a dry cookie, an apple, your child is likely to feel unsettled or even somewhat shocked. But, do not worry, in any case he will not be traumatized by this event..
What is the story of the little mouse for?
The childish legends like those of the Little Mouse, Father Christmas, Easter bells, use symbols that help represent things. Sometimes surreal, on the verge of dreams, childhood myths help little ones transform their anxieties. In the case of the little mouse: “This story of the little mouse acts as a rite of passage. This harmless little animal acts as an intermediary in this transition, taking with it what belongs to the past like a trophy, and giving a gold coin in exchange, as a reward for celebrate the transformation that is taking place. The image is well chosen because, in reality, the mice create passages, galleries. », Explains Catherine Meulemans.
Should we tell the story of the little mouse to his child?
Children’s literature is full of references featuring the little mouse, mischievous and benevolent character, who walks quietly, in the middle of the night, towards the pillow under which the child has placed his precious baby tooth. You are free to carry on the tradition. But know that this story, which is told from generation to generation, has a strong therapeutic function. “Through the tale, the child understands by analogy that he is growing up. So I suggest using books that tell this story of the Little Mouse. They arouse his curiosity, stimulate his imagination and bring a note of humor that allows him to take distance in the face of an anxiety-provoking situation, like the loss of his teeth, ”notes the expert in art therapy. To this tranquility and this fun, is added the happy prospect of discovering the reward that the Little Mouse will have placed under the pillow.
Little mouse: what to put under the child’s pillow?
The tradition of the Little Mouse involves the giving of a coin. But nothing forces you to follow this ritual to the letter. However, if you want to slip a little “penny” under your child’s pillow, plan a 1 or 2 euro coin. You may possibly offer to keep it in a special piggy bank “milk teeth” which will allow him to offer himself a small gift. If not, why not replace this money with a chocolate coin accompanied by a word from the Little Mouse? You are also free to slip him a gift that has symbolic or sentimental value.. Either way, your child will be happy to receive a reward for their courage.
DIY: a toothed hiding place for the Little Mouse
On Momes.net, discover a great DIY to offer your child: make a “tooth hiding place”, before the visit of the Little Mouse. Quick, let’s get started!
Find it here: “Little Mouse” tooth stash and surprises
What if my child is afraid of the Little Mouse?
Some children may fear the intrusion of an unfamiliar animal at night. This can cause anxiety and delay bedtime. “If the child is afraid of mice, I would advise not to use the French version of the story, but rather the Anglo-Saxon story which uses the image of a fairy (“ tooth fairy ”, or Fée des dents ). As for the intrusion into the night, the child must understand that the magic often happens when you have your eyes closed », Advises Catherine Meulemans.
What if the parents are exposed? “Be honest. Why not explain that this Little mouse is part of a story, but that some adults remember this story and continue to bring it to life, doing the work of the Little Mouse? It’s a rather poetic way of justifying yourself, ”suggests Catherine Meulemans.