Over the weekend my daughter lost another molar. It wasn't actually lost; she pulled it herself and the tooth came out neatly in her right hand. This is one parenting job my daughter has spared me -- and I am sooooo thankful to her for it! Over the years, I've been at the ready to handle any parenting task, no matter how glorious or gory. And I still am. But the whole tooth-pulling thing really sends me into orbit. Weird, but true. Fortunately, she's had help and guidance from her grandfather and Aunt Sheila. And it's during these times that I am more than happy to retire to another room -- in a neighbor's house.

Ehow.com offers tips for kids and parents. So for those of you who might be at loose ends over pulling teeth, here is its advice.

1. Be sure your child washes his hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap to remove as many germs as possible before he sticks his fingers into his mouth. Then he is ready to begin to try to pull out the loose tooth.

2. Wiggle the loose tooth back and forth. Do this over and over again until the tooth is as loose as possible.

3. Try pulling the tooth upward and out with your fingers. If it refuses to budge, repeat Step Two. If the tooth is extremely loose, you should be able to remove it without a problem.

4. Try eating an apple with the loose tooth. This will sometimes jerk the tooth loose from the gum.

5. Let an adult try to pull the tooth. (Uh-oh, count me out on No. 5.) If the child experiences pain, it is a good idea to wait until it becomes a little looser or let time take care of it -- when the tooth is ready to come out, it will.

6. Put pressure on the bleeding gums with a towel or gauze pad once the tooth is removed to stop the bleeding. Have your child lean slightly forward to avoid swallowing blood which could upset the stomach.

7. Help your child put his tooth under his bed pillow so the tooth fairy can find it easily.

Thank goodness for No. 7, the one part of this whole ordeal at which I excel!