10 Childhood Myths That Adults Totally Believed Too
Growing up, we heard certain things so many times that they just seemed true. Some of those tales were repeated by adults, teachers, and even our parents, making them sound like absolute facts. It turns out that many of the myths we believed as kids stayed with us into adulthood.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
Many childhood myths didn’t disappear with age — they stuck around and fooled grown-ups, too. From health advice to nature facts, some beliefs were never questioned because everyone seemed to agree. This article explores 10 common myths that were so convincing, even adults believed them for years. Looking back, it’s funny how certain ideas became almost legendary. Breaking down these myths helps remind us to stay curious and ask questions, no matter how old we get.
1. Swallowed Gum Stays in Your Stomach for Seven Years
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This myth was told so often that it felt like a scientific fact. Many adults repeated it to warn kids against swallowing gum. In reality, gum passes through the body just like other food, though it isn’t digested. It doesn’t stick around for years like a piece of lost luggage. The body’s system is smarter than we gave it credit for.
2. Cracking Your Knuckles Will Cause Arthritis
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Parents and teachers warned that cracking knuckles would lead to painful joints later in life. The sound may be annoying, but research shows there is no proven link to arthritis. What you’re hearing is just the sound of gas bubbles popping in the joint. Adults believed this because it sounded logical and discouraging. Thankfully, it turns out to be more myth than medical truth.
3. You’ll Get Sick If You Go Outside With Wet Hair
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This myth came with almost every cold season. People believed wet hair and chilly air were a guaranteed recipe for illness. However, colds and flus are caused by viruses, not temperature or damp hair. While being cold might feel unpleasant, it doesn’t cause an infection on its own. Still, many adults stayed indoors just to be safe.
4. If You Touch a Toad, You’ll Get Warts
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The rough skin of toads seemed like a perfect match for the bumpy texture of warts. Kids avoided them, and adults backed up the warning. However, warts actually come from a virus, not amphibians. Toads may not be cute, but they aren’t spreading skin conditions. It was a case of appearance leading to false beliefs.
5. Sugar Makes Kids Wild and Hyper
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Many parents swore their kids bounced off the walls after eating candy. The connection between sugar and hyperactivity felt obvious. However, multiple studies have shown that sugar doesn’t directly cause such behavior. Excitement during parties or holidays likely plays a bigger role. Still, the myth gave sugar a powerful reputation.
6. If You Cross Your Eyes, They Might Stay That Way
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Kids loved to cross their eyes for laughs, and adults were quick to say, “Stop, or they’ll get stuck.” While the warning was meant to stop the habit, it’s not actually true. Eye muscles are flexible and return to normal without damage. The fear of a permanent funny face was simply exaggerated. It’s one of those myths told with good intentions but poor facts.
7. Chewing Ice Means You Have an Iron Deficiency
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Some people heard this from relatives and started watching their ice-eating habits. While it’s true that chewing ice can be linked to iron deficiency in some cases, it’s not always a sign of a health issue. Sometimes people just like the crunch. However, the myth evolved over time, transforming a simple habit into a health warning. It shows how medical ideas can spread without all the details.
8. Eating Before Swimming Causes Cramps
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“Wait thirty minutes after eating before you swim” was practically a rule at every pool. Parents believed it without question, thinking it would prevent cramps or even drowning. However, there is little evidence to support this. Moderate swimming after eating is usually safe for most people. The idea stuck more out of tradition than science.
9. The Great Wall of China Is the Only Man-Made Object Visible from Space
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Many textbooks and documentaries once claimed this as fact. People repeated it with pride, thinking it showed how huge the wall is. While the Great Wall is long, it’s actually hard to spot from space without help. There are many man-made objects more visible than the wall. The myth spread because it sounded impressive and educational.
10. If You Swallow a Seed, a Plant Will Grow Inside You
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Children feared eating fruit seeds after hearing they might sprout inside their stomachs. Some adults even joined in to scare kids into being careful. In truth, seeds need specific soil, light, and air to grow. Your stomach is far from a welcoming garden. Still, the image was strange enough to stick with people for years.