Most kids are perfectly content to buy into the existence of the Tooth Fairy — after all, if losing their teeth results in money under their pillows, who are they to question the process? However, some little ones are more skeptical when it comes to accepting the notion of a magical, orthodontia-obsessed sprite.
Recently, Twitter user Fahd Ahmad shared a story about his 9-year-old son, who had conducted a personal experiment to discover whether or not the tooth fairy was real.
Apparently, Ahmad’s son decided to see what would happen if he kept his tooth-loss a secret versus what would happen if he told his parents. (Spoiler alert: when he didn’t tell his parents about his lost tooth, he didn’t find any money under his pillow.)
Just learned our 9y/o did an experiment on us. Lost tooth, told no one for 3d, kept tooth under his pillow. No $. Then he tells us he lost the tooth, next night there is money under his pillow. Then confronted us with his scientific evidence that the tooth fairy isn't real.
— Rogue Dad, M.D. (@RogueDadMD) April 23, 2018
While the experiment doesn’t account for all possibilities, you have to admit the kid did a fairly impressive job of getting to the bottom of the situation — even if it did ultimately bring the tooth fairy’s existence to an abrupt close.
“He’s an inquisitive kid, thinking his own thoughts,” Ahmad told Mashable. “He’s got sort of a scientific mindset naturally.”
Naturally, Twitter was impressed.
Impressed that he collected data to back his theory
— Frank Toner (@FrankToner) April 24, 2018
Some parents actually shared their own similar experiences.
Yup, my daughter did the same thing, only she didn’t tell us until her next tooth came out and then she told us privately…she didn’t want to spoil it for her little brother!
— Le1ll (@leegnik) April 24, 2018
People even offered up possible excuses that Ahmad could have used to throw his inquisitive child off the scent. (Even though nine is a perfectly appropriate age to learn the truth about the tooth fairy.)
And you didn’t point out that the tooth fairy isn’t psychic and needs to be informed by a parent or guardian about the tooth loss?
— My name is Declan (@DeclanChellar) April 24, 2018
We forgot one time and kid was devastated. Told her Tooth Fairy was probably busy and to try again. Next night, left a note “Ended up in Mexico. Didn’t get back before you woke up” and left some pesos. Worked like a charm.
— Ribby (@wingsforp) April 26, 2018
My mom told me that the tooth fairy got kidnapped. That, or she couldn't find her way in my room. Got me to clean my room but I got a dollar from it ?
— Random Weirdo ? (@DestinyIero420) April 24, 2018
Even though Ahmad’s son now knows the truth, he’s still having to play along — for now.
“He’s been tasked with not blowing the secret for his younger brothers. We will see what he can do,” Ahmad told Mashable.
To everyone replying to the TF tweet, can’t reply to all — giving popsicles to kids in ER. Congrats to those who potty trained before walking and those who refused to give their kids $ for lost body parts. To those who think my kid is a genius — his college fund takes donations. https://t.co/8a2sQ6iF2C
— Rogue Dad, M.D. (@RogueDadMD) April 24, 2018
However, Ahmad adds that his precocious little sleuth might be regretting his investigation right about now.
“I think he lost his future cash flow, which is something he probably didn’t anticipate.”