14 Childhood Myths We Believed (And Which Ones Were Spot On)
Revisiting the myths of our childhood, debunking the tall tales, and confirming the surprisingly accurate ones. A journey of nostalgia and enlightenment.
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Childhood is a time of wonder, imagination, and a fair share of gullibility. We’ve all been fed tales, myths, and beliefs that seemed unquestionably true back then. But how many of these childhood myths stand up to the test of time? Let’s take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and separate fact from fiction.
Swallowed Gum Stays in Your Stomach for Seven Years
Myth! While gum isn’t digestible, it doesn’t stay in your stomach. It moves through the digestive system and is expelled like other waste.
Eating Carrots Improves Night Vision
Partially True. Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is good for eyesight. However, they won’t give you night vision or drastically improve it.
Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis
Myth! There’s no scientific evidence to support this. The cracking sound is just gas bubbles bursting.
Chocolate Causes Acne
Myth! There’s no direct link between chocolate and acne. However, a diet high in sugar and fat can contribute to skin issues.
If You Touch a Baby Bird, Its Mother Will Reject It
Myth! Most birds have a limited sense of smell and won’t notice human scent on their babies.
Wait an Hour After Eating Before Swimming
Partially True. It’s not dangerous to swim after eating, but it might be uncomfortable as blood is diverted to the digestive system.
Sitting Too Close to the TV Will Ruin Your Eyes
Myth! While it might cause eye strain, it won’t cause permanent damage.
Cows Lie Down When It’s About to Rain
Partially True. Cows might lie down for various reasons, but there’s no concrete evidence linking their behavior to upcoming rain.
Eating Bread Crusts Will Make Your Hair Curly
Myth! Hair texture is determined by genetics, not by what you eat.
Step on a Crack, Break Your Mother’s Back
Myth! This is just a playground chant with no basis in reality.
Swallowed Watermelon Seeds Will Grow in Your Stomach
Myth! The stomach’s acidic environment prevents any seeds from sprouting.
An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
Partially True. While apples are nutritious, they’re not a guaranteed shield against all illnesses.
Dogs Only See in Black and White
Myth! Dogs do see colors, but not as vividly as humans. They see the world in shades of blue and yellow.
Breaking a Mirror Brings Seven Years of Bad Luck
Myth! This superstition dates back to ancient times, but there’s no factual basis for it.
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Michelle Harler is the founder of Guide2Free, a website dedicated to finding and sharing freebies, product testing opportunities, and other ways to save money. With over a decade of experience in the industry, her expertise in finding quality offers makes Guide2Free an invaluable resource for anyone looking to try new products and save money.