12 Common Lies Adults Continue To Tell Kids

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Growing up, children are often surrounded by adults who, with the best of intentions, tell them certain things that may not always be entirely truthful. These well-intentioned fibs, often passed down through generations, can range from tales of mythical creatures to exaggerated warnings about health and behavior.

1. “Santa Claus is Real”

One of the most common lies adults tell children is the existence of Santa Claus. Many kids grow up believing in the jolly old man who delivers presents on Christmas Eve. Parents go to great lengths to maintain this myth, leaving out cookies and milk and even faking letters from Santa. While it can add to the magic of the holiday season, eventually, most children come to realize that Santa Claus is a fictional character created for the joy of childhood.

2. “You’ll Catch a Cold if You Go Outside with Wet Hair”

Kids often hear the warning that they will catch a cold if they venture outside with wet hair. This statement, however well-intentioned, is not entirely accurate. Colds are caused by viruses, not by exposure to cold weather or wet hair. While it’s important to dress appropriately for the weather, getting a little wet is unlikely to make someone sick.

3. “If You Swallow Gum, It Stays in Your Stomach for Seven Years”

A classic fib told to kids is that if they swallow gum, it will stay in their stomach for seven years. This statement is pure fiction. Gum is not digested in the same way as food, but it doesn’t linger in the stomach for seven years either. It typically passes through the digestive system like any other non-digestible material.

4. “Eating Carrots Will Improve Your Eyesight”

Many children are told that eating carrots will improve their eyesight, usually as a ploy to get them to eat more vegetables. While carrots are indeed a healthy food rich in vitamin A, they won’t miraculously give someone better vision. Good eyesight is influenced by genetics and overall eye health, not just one specific food.

5. “The Tooth Fairy Will Leave Money Under Your Pillow”

The Tooth Fairy is another mythical character that parents use to encourage children to take care of their teeth. When a child loses a tooth, they are often told that the Tooth Fairy will visit at night and leave money under their pillow in exchange for the tooth. It’s a charming tradition, but one that eventually reveals itself as a well-intentioned lie when children grow older and realize there’s no magical being collecting their baby teeth.

6. “If You Make That Face, It Will Get Stuck That Way”

Adults often warn children against making funny or unattractive faces by telling them that their faces will get stuck that way. This warning is meant to deter kids from making faces in public or during important events. However, making faces will not permanently alter one’s facial appearance. It’s a humorous exaggeration intended to encourage polite behavior.

7. “You Can Be Anything You Want When You Grow Up”

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While this statement is often well-intentioned, it’s not entirely accurate. Children are encouraged to dream big and pursue their passions, but the reality is that not everyone can achieve their dream job. Life’s circumstances, personal abilities, and opportunities can shape one’s career path. It’s essential to encourage children to explore their interests while also helping them understand that success can come in many forms.

8. “If You Keep Making That Noise, I’ll Call the Police”

Sometimes, parents resort to threatening to call the police when their children misbehave. This bluff is usually used to scare kids into better behavior. While it’s crucial to discipline children and teach them right from wrong, invoking the police in non-emergency situations can be misleading and may not instill a genuine understanding of the role of law enforcement.

9. “If You Don’t Finish Your Plate, You’ll Hurt the Starving Children”

Many adults tell children to finish their food by invoking the image of starving children in less fortunate parts of the world. This guilt-trip tactic is intended to encourage kids to eat their meals. However, it oversimplifies complex global issues related to hunger and food distribution. While it’s important to reduce food waste and be mindful of those in need, this statement doesn’t provide a complete understanding of the problem.

10. “I Was a Perfect Child When I Was Your Age”

Some adults may reminisce about their own childhood, claiming to have been perfect and well-behaved. This can create unrealistic expectations for children and put unnecessary pressure on them. The truth is that all children make mistakes and have moments of misbehavior as they learn and grow. Comparing them to an idealized version of an adult’s childhood can be unfair and unhelpful in their development.

11. “If You Keep Making That Face, It Will Stay That Way”

Children are often told that if they make funny or unattractive faces, their facial expressions will become permanently frozen. This is a common tactic used by adults to discourage children from making silly faces. While it may deter kids momentarily, there’s no scientific basis for this claim. Facial expressions change naturally, and children should feel free to express themselves without fearing long-term consequences.

12. “Don’t Swim Right After Eating, You’ll Get Cramps”

Many kids have been warned not to go swimming immediately after eating, with the fear that they’ll get cramps and drown. While it’s important to exercise caution while swimming, especially in deep water, the idea that eating before swimming directly leads to cramps is a bit of an exaggeration. It’s advisable to wait a bit after eating to avoid feeling uncomfortable, but the risk of cramps is minimal.