Old wives’ tales have often been passed down for generations. While these things used to be seen as imparting wisdom from one generation to another, they are actually filled with misleading or outdated advice. Some of these old wives’ tales are fairly harmless, but some might cause confusion and can even be harmful if they are followed. So, be mindful of the advice you’re giving your children, and don’t pass down these eight wives’ tales.
1. “Cracking Your Knuckles Will Give You Arthritis”
This is one that I definitely heard growing up. I cracked my knuckles fairly frequently and it was probably annoying for my parents. They told me it would cause unrelenting problems in the form of arthritis later in life. Studies have shown that knuckle cracking can cause some temporary swelling, but it will not increase your risk of arthritis. So, if you find your child has this habit, just let them know they should be aware of potential discomfort from cracking their knuckles. After all, it’s a good idea to be gentle to your joints.
2. “Swallowed Gum Stays in Your Stomach for Seven Years”
No, you shouldn’t swallow your gum. However, it won’t stay in your stomach for years. While it is true that your body can’t fully digest gum, it will still move through your digestive system and pass within a few days. Of course, don’t encourage your child to swallow gum, but don’t scare them with this old wives’ tale either.
3. “If You Go Outside with Wet Hair, You’ll Catch a Cold”
Colds are spread through germs and contact. Colder weather can lower your immune system response, but it won’t cause you to become ill. Rather than stressing out about wet hair, teach your child about good hygiene. Make sure they wash their hands frequently, especially during cold and flu season. Staying warm and clean is more effective than drying your hair when it comes to preventing sickness.
4. “Eating Carrots Will Improve Your Eyesight”
This is something my Nana swore by growing up. Carrots are a healthy food and they contain a fair amount of vitamin A, which supports your overall eye health. That said, eating carrots isn’t going to give you superhuman vision or repair damage that has already been done. It’s a good idea to encourage your children to eat a variety of foods and make sure they attend regular eye checkups.
5. “Don’t Swim After Eating or You’ll Cramp Up”
You’ve probably heard this myth from your parents growing up, but it’s actually not backed by science. Swimming on a full stomach can be uncomfortable, but it won’t likely lead to cramps or, even worse, drowning. The idea that you need to wait 30 minutes after eating before swimming is outdated. Instead of telling your children this, tell them to listen to their bodies and take breaks if they need to. Swimming will be safe as long as their bodies feel good.
6. “Reading in the Dark Will Ruin Your Eyes”
Many parents harp on reading in a dimly lit room, claiming that it will permanently damage their vision. In reality, reading in low light can cause temporary eye strain or discomfort. It won’t cause any long-term damage though. If your child insists on reading in the dark, it won’t cause any harm, but you should continue to promote good habits. One of those is reading with adequate lighting to avoid eye strain.
7. “You Must Drink Eight Glasses of Water a Day”
Hydration needs differ based on your age, activity level, and climate. Someone who is younger and hiking in Arizona needs a lot more water in one day than someone who is older and seated at a desk in the air conditioning all day. Rather than pushing the eight glasses a day, let them know that they should drink water when they are thirsty. This teaches them to listen to their own body’s needs.
8. “If You Cross Your Eyes, They’ll Get Stuck Like That”
Like reading in the dark, crossing your eyes won’t cause any long-term damage. They definitely won’t “get stuck.” Their eyes will return to their normal position after they’re done making their funny face. Again, just remind them to listen to their bodies. If it is uncomfortable, they should stop. Otherwise, there’s no reason to make them scared of long-term effects that don’t exist.
Break Free From These Old Myths
Old wives’ tales often come with good intentions. Parents want their children to learn, but imparting wisdom in this way can be misleading and downright inaccurate. You should stay informed about the truth and avoid passing down myths to the next generation. Teach your children the facts. It will help them understand the world more clearly and be able to trust you.