In America, losing the first tooth is a big milestone that is generally celebrated by the tooth fairy coming and placing some money under your pillow in exchange for the tooth.
How much money really depends on how “valuable” your tooth is (I used to get a few dollars for my teeth, but some kids teeth are apparently worth a LOT more! haha)
Or it just varies from family to family.
Really, any tooth loss is a big deal to kids!
It means visits from the Tooth Fairy are in order and the excitement grows as the night goes on!
But did you know that in Spain, a different visitor retrieves lost teeth?
Similar to our tooth fairy, he leaves behind coins, money or gifts!
His name is Ratón Pérez!
And it’s a MOUSE!
Cute right? And much more believable than a fairy, I think!
Houses get mouses in them all the time, so why not just say it is the one and only Ratón Pérez!
Interestingly enough, Ratoncito Peréz is also famous for being the first fictional character to be honored with a plaque in Madrid!
If it interests you, you can read more about this fun Spanish tradition here: https://www.spainbuddy.com/ratoncito-perez-tooth-fairy-spain/
Be sure to share this information with your kids! They’ll think it’s a funny little cultural fact.
And if your child is at that “tooth losing” age, they might also be at the right age to start (or continue?) learning Spanish!
That I can help with!
Keep an eye out to your email for the announcement of our fall 2020 programs early next week!!!
Until then,
Sarah
