Author's note: There must be something in the air, because within a day of originally posting this last week, I started noticing similar, much more serious stories appearing across the Internet. People are genuinely outraged about "Rudolph,"…

Note: Occasionally, I break down and write a serious post. Please don't hold this against me. And also be aware that I have no affiliation with Firestone Auto Care in any way.   *** Helpful. The word is often overlooked in these…

There are several culturally sanctioned lies we tell our children. Y’know, things that are clearly made-up and not true. Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, “We'll take a vacation to Disney World one summer soon,” are all examples. These fibs are fun and well-meaning, but untruths nonetheless. Don’t worry, I’m not judging. I’m all for them and participate enthusiastically. Of the Tooth Fairy, however, I’m not a huge fan. The concept that a supernatural being — perhaps a tiny, sparkly woman with wings — flutters into a child’s bedroom late at night, collects the still-bloody, newly extracted tooth from directly underneath the kid’s head, and replaces it with quite real currency…well... It’s just weird.