Here’s a list of those little white lies our parents told us, sprinkled with a few fibs I’ve found myself repeating to my own kid. Which ones have you passed down to the next generation?
1. Eating Carrots Improves Night Vision
Told that munching on carrots helps you see in the dark—a handy WWII-era myth that’s perfect for getting kids to eat their veggies.
2. Santa’s Naughty List
The classic threat that Santa is always watching helps keep the little ones on their best behaviour all year.
3. Square Eyes From Too Much TV
I remember being warned about getting square eyes from too much telly, and I’ve caught myself saying the same thing to my kids.
4. Pinocchio Nose for Liars
Just like they told me, I tell my kids their nose will grow if they lie, hoping to foster a bit of honesty.
5. Crusts Make Your Hair Curly
I was always told my hair would curl if I ate my crusts—now I find myself spinning the same tale to encourage a clean plate.
6. Ice Cream Van Music
My parents said the music meant the van was out of ice cream. Guilty as charged—I’ve told my kids the same fib.
7. Reading in the Dark Damages Eyes
This was a common one at home to get me to turn on a light, and I’ve passed this advice on for good measure.
8. Knuckle Cracking Leads to Arthritis
I grew up believing this one and might have mentioned it a time or two to discourage those annoying cracks.
10. The Park Is Closing
A lifesaver when trying to leave the park without a tantrum, I’ve used this more times than I can count.
11. This Artwork is Amazing!
Every scribble is a masterpiece in my eyes—or so I tell my little artist to keep their creative juices flowing.
12. This (Noisy) Toy is Broken
When I can’t take another minute of a noisy toy, it suddenly becomes “broken,” just like some toys did when I was young.
13. The Easter Bunny Is Real
My parents didn’t ever mention the Easter Bunny but we wait for him now with my kids. I love the whimsy, the treasure hunt and of course the chocolate.
14. It’s Going to Rain Today
When I just can’t face another outing, I’ve been known to predict rain to keep us cozy at home.
15. Kids Can’t Eat This
Just like my parents hid the good snacks, I’ve claimed more than once that certain treats are not for kids.
16. Wind Change Will Freeze Your Face
A funny one from my childhood that I’ve passed down, warning my kids about making silly faces.
17. Swallowed Gum Stays in Your Stomach for 7 Years
I was always cautious about swallowing gum thanks to this myth, and now my kids are too.
18. The Tooth Fairy Will Know If You’re Awake
To get them to sleep, I tell my kids the Tooth Fairy won’t come unless they’re fast asleep, just like I was told.
19. Eating Seeds Will Grow a Plant Inside You
A bizarre idea that fascinated me as a kid and now tickles my children’s imagination.
20. If You Touch a Toad, You’ll Get Warts
My parents warned me about toads, and now I find myself saying the same, though it’s more about hygiene than warts.
21. You Must Wait an Hour After Eating to Swim
I grew up with this rule, and it’s stuck with me—I find myself repeating it, especially on pool days.
Inherited Lies
These fibs, passed down from generation to generation, mix practical parenting with a bit of fun, shaping many a British childhood, including mine.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / goodluz.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
The images used are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual people or places mentioned in the article.