Your Kids Will Hate You If You Keep Letting Them Believe These 10 Dumb Things
Children are naturally curious and imaginative, which makes them prone to believing some pretty outlandish things. From mythical creatures like the Tooth Fairy to bizarre claims like gum staying in your stomach for seven years, kids have been known to buy into some pretty strange myths and traditions. While some of these beliefs may seem harmless or even entertaining, it’s important to consider the impact they can have on children’s perceptions of reality and their ability to distinguish fact from fiction.
1. Swallowing Gum
Many children have been warned not to swallow gum, as it will stay in their stomachs for seven years. While there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, it has been passed down from generation to generation, and many children still believe it to be true. In reality, the body is able to digest gum just like any other food.
2. Carrots Improve Eyesight
Parents often encourage their children to eat their vegetables, and carrots are a favorite because of their purported ability to improve eyesight. While carrots do contain vitamin A, which is important for eye health, they will not improve eyesight beyond what is considered normal for an individual.
3. The Tooth Fairy
Many parents encourage their children to believe in the Tooth Fairy, a mythical creature that exchanges lost baby teeth for money. While it’s a fun tradition, some children are left disappointed when they eventually discover that the Tooth Fairy is not real.
4. The Moon Follows You
Many children have been amazed at how the moon seems to follow them as they walk or ride in a car. Parents often perpetuate this belief by telling their children that the moon is following them. In reality, the moon appears to follow us because of an optical illusion known as the moon illusion, which makes the moon appear larger when it’s closer to the horizon.
5. Cracking Knuckles Causes Arthritis
Parents often warn their children not to crack their knuckles, as it will cause arthritis. While cracking knuckles can be annoying to those around you, there is no evidence to suggest that it leads to arthritis. In fact, a study published in the British Medical Journal found that there was no difference in the incidence of arthritis between those who cracked their knuckles and those who didn’t.
6. The Bogeyman
Many children have been warned about the Bogeyman, a fictional creature used by parents to scare their children into behaving. Reddit users shared how they believed the Bogeyman lived under their bed or in their closet, waiting to grab them if they misbehaved.
7. The Easter Bunny Lays Eggs
While it’s a fun tradition to search for Easter eggs, some children are left confused as to how the Easter Bunny is able to lay eggs. Reddit users shared how they believed the Easter Bunny was a magical creature that laid eggs instead of giving out candy.
8. Thunder is Caused by Angels Bowling
Many parents tell their children that thunder is caused by angels bowling in the sky. While it’s a cute and harmless explanation, it doesn’t hold up to scientific scrutiny. Reddit users shared how they believed that the louder the thunder, the better the angel’s score.
9. The Earth is Flat
Despite overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary, there are still people who believe that the Earth is flat. Some Reddit users shared how they believed in this conspiracy theory as children, despite all evidence to the contrary.
10. If You Make a Funny Face, It Will Stay That Way
Many parents warn their children that if they make a funny face, it will stay that way forever. While it’s a fun way to get children to stop making faces, it’s not actually true. Reddit users shared how they believed this myth until they were much older.
This article was produced and syndicated by Parent Portfolio.
Source: Reddit.
