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10 Parenting Myths Debunked

Parenthood often has its fair share of trials and tribulations.

By Steven WalkerPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
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Parenthood often has its fair share of trials and tribulations. After all, there's no manual that comes with babies, which means that we all have to just learn as we go along. However, if there was a manual, these parenting 'rules' certainly wouldn't be in it (because they're all completely untrue).

You Can Spoil Your Baby by Holding Them

Holding a baby absolutely will not spoil them. In fact, cradling baby as often as possible will help to build the parent-child bond, and make them feel nurtured and loved. This is especially true during the first two months of life.

Sugar Makes Kids Hyper

While there may be a variety of other downsides to children eating an abundance of sugar, such as cavities, sugary treats don't make kids hyper. Research disproves this theory time and again, given that children who consume sugars tend to exhibit the same behavior as those who do not.

Going Outdoors with Wet Hair Causes Colds

This particular parenting myth also stipulates that a child must wear a hat in cold weather to cover their ears to fend off the common cold and respiratory infections. However, it is a virus, not the weather or moisture, that causes the cold and the flu. Unless the child comes into direct contact with the germs, chances are they won't come down with the bug.

Cracking Knuckles Will Cause Arthritis

This myth has been circulating for decades, but is still completely unfounded. There is no absolutely evidence which suggests that cracking knuckles will cause joint inflammation or hinder joint development in growing children. The noise that is synonymous with joint cracking is actually just the joint vacuum breaking and nitrogen gas bubbles collapsing.

Giving an Infant Solids Before Bed Will Help Them Sleep Longer

Offering an infant cereals or other solids at night has no impact upon their length or quality of sleep. As a matter of fact, in some cases, cereals can be a choking hazard for young infants. Babies usually won't develop a sleep schedule until about 6 months of age, and giving them solids before bedtime won't change that.

Kids Will Fall Asleep When They're Tired

When a child falls asleep in the middle of playing or at the dinner table, this means that they are already past exhaustion and need help with research paper. Getting a little one to sleep may be challenging, but it's important to create a sleep routine that ensures they get all the rest they need.

Wait Two Months Before Bringing a Newborn Outside

There's really no need to lock a newborn baby away in the house for the first eight weeks of life. Just remain diligent about washing hands and keeping them away from coughing or sneezing people in public.

Feed a Cold and Starve a Fever

Whether they are running a high fever or have a bad case of the sniffles, children need their fluids and foods to get better. Virtually all forms of illness can cause dehydration. So always encourage them to drink as much clear liquid as possible to help them beat the bug.

Not Having a Bowel Movement Daily Means That a Child Is Constipated

Have no fear if a child only has a bowel movement every two to three days. As long as the stool is soft and the child has no problem passing it, then it's probably not constipation. In fact, some breastfed babies may have bowel movements as infrequently as once every seven days.

You Should Always Force Kids to Eat Their Vegetables

Eating vegetables can offer a wide range of healthy benefits, but forcing children to eat them isn't really necessary. By making them eat their veggies, parents can actually unknowingly cause a lifelong disdain for them. Also, by surrounding children with good, nutrient-rich foods, and removing those that are less healthy, they will automatically eat what's good for them.

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About the Creator

Steven Walker

Steven Walker is a creative writer and content strategist who helps people succeed at self-education, writing, motivation and more by sharing with them his knowledge. Writes blog posts for McEssay.

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