this post was submitted on 21 Jun 2026
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Science Memes
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Honestly, I would be so proud of my kid if they brought this to me, and unless I was prepared for this eventuality, I'd probably admit they're right and paraise their critical thinking. If I was prepared, I'd start poking holes in their theory and show that they have evidence the tooth fairy isn't real, not proof, so more experimentation is required
At 9yo I would just leave it at being proud of them and their methods. I'd reward it. If they are questioning it on their own they are ready for that magic to be gone.
Oh, I wouldn't fail to reward them for their critical thinking, that's a great thing for them to be doing. I just don't want them to think their first idea is the only possible one. I guess I should have added the condition to my decision of how to act about it that if they seemed into be into continuing with the scientific process, I'd leave them to keep testing and figuring things out, but if they're done with it, which, let's be honest, most kids probably would be, I'd give and let them have their win.
Out with the tooth fair money, in with the research grants!