All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
8 of the most popular myths from childhood
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
Some myths take years to form, and from year to year they wander, acquiring new details. Surely many have heard that you can’t crack your knuckles because your mother said you could get arthritis. This is just one of a few examples of what everyone has heard, but whether it’s true or not, no one could say for sure.
Ilive presents 8 of the most popular myths from childhood.
You can't crack your fingers
There is no medical evidence that this habit can lead to the development of arthritis. However, doctors recommend fighting the habit of "breaking" fingers, because it can lead to cracks or dislocations. Be that as it may, the cracking of fingers is irritating to some people, so it is better not to upset the nerves of others, otherwise you will definitely have injuries, but not because of the crunching.
You can't go outside with wet hair.
Many girls have heard this more than once when they went outside without drying their hair, listening to their mothers lamenting that they could expect a high temperature tomorrow. Of course, mothers are right, but only in that you can freeze, but not get sick the next day. The cause of flu and colds are viruses and bacteria, not a wet head and cold weather.
Eight glasses of water daily
As long as you don't feel thirsty and your urine is clear, you are not dehydrated and you are getting enough water. Therefore, the cherished eight glasses, a myth that came from nowhere, does not justify itself. In addition, a person also gets water from food and other drinks, which also contain nutrients.
If you read in the dark, you will go blind.
Well, this phrase was probably heard in childhood, if not by everyone, then certainly by many. Poor lighting during reading cannot cause such radical irreversible damage, however, due to eye strain, headaches are guaranteed. The same applies to TV and computer monitors - if you sit too close, your head will hurt.
Sugar makes children hyperactive
This is a common and baseless myth. Research by scientists proves that consumption of sugar or its substitute aspartame in doses significantly higher than recommended does not have a negative impact on children's behavior.
What is quickly raised is not considered fallen or the five-second rule
Unfortunately, microbes don't have a stopwatch that would count down those five seconds it takes a person to pick up a candy that fell on the floor. So if something falls out of your hands right onto the floor, you can be sure that microbes will instantly end up on that object.
If you have cold symptoms, you need to eat a lot, if you have a fever, then there shouldn’t be a crumb in your mouth.
If you think about it, it sounds barbaric. Is it possible to deprive our body, weakened by the fight against the virus, of the support in the form of food that gives it strength? Eat, eat and eat again if you are sick.
You need to sleep at least eight hours a day
Not everyone needs eight hours of sleep a night. Some people get by just fine with six, while others need nine to function properly all day. The amount of sleep needed varies depending on a number of factors, including illness, stress, physical activity, and more.