15 Things That People Warned Us About As Kids That Didn't End Up Being That Serious

Some childhood warnings sound dramatic in the moment, but later they turn out to be way less serious than adults made them seem. That is exactly what this Reddit thread is about, and it hits a familiar nerve for anyone who grew up hearing the world was full of huge dangers.

In the post, one user asked what people were warned about when they were younger that now feels exaggerated, and the comments quickly filled with shared memories. The responses cover everything from school, food, and social pressure to the strange things adults used to say just to keep kids in line.

The result is a pretty funny look back at how often grown-ups made ordinary things sound much bigger than they really were.

Here's the original question that was asked.

u/Marshalljoe

I definitely feel like this is something that was warned about, as if we'd have to send it in with our resume.

u/Marshalljoew

Warnings about boys or girls just made us want to be more involved with them.

u/Marshalljoe

As children, we often receive warnings from adults about various dangers in life, which can lead to heightened perceptions of risk. When children internalize these fears, they may overestimate the dangers of otherwise normal experiences, leading to anxiety and avoidance behaviors in adulthood. For instance, a child who is warned about the dangers of talking to strangers may grow into an adult who struggles with social interactions. It’s essential for parents to balance caution with encouragement, helping children develop a more accurate understanding of their environment while fostering resilience rather than fear.

I mean, this was definitely exaggerated, but also not, because it is dangerous.

u/Marshalljoe

This was definitely something that many teachers told us as we were going into the next grade.

u/Marshalljoe

This was very exaggerated by literally every adult in my life. The saying that it takes seven years to digest is also a myth.

u/Marshalljoe

Another psychological concept at play when adults provide warnings to children is the idea of 'overprotectiveness.' Research from the University of Michigan suggests that when parents are overly protective, they inadvertently inhibit their children's ability to develop coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills. This phenomenon can lead to what psychologists term 'anxiety sensitivity,' where individuals become overly fearful of experiencing anxiety itself, ultimately creating a vicious cycle. Parents can create opportunities for their children to face manageable challenges, gradually increasing complexity as their confidence grows. This approach not only builds resilience but also helps children learn that while some risks exist, many experiences are safe and rewarding.

This is interesting because I've actually never heard this saying before. Midnight sounds like a nice curfew, though.

u/Marshalljoe

The Bermuda Triangle is something people just stopped talking about, but I don't really understand why.

u/Marshalljoe

I must not have grown up where this person did because this wasn't really a fear that I had, but I can imagine that it would be terrifying to hear as a child.

u/Marshalljoe

Adults often warn children about potential dangers in a way that can lead to 'catastrophizing'-a cognitive distortion where one assumes the worst-case scenario will happen. This concept is supported by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles, which emphasize that negative thought patterns can significantly impact emotional well-being.

To mitigate this tendency, parents and caregivers can model 'realistic optimism.' This involves acknowledging potential risks while highlighting positive outcomes and manageable solutions. For instance, instead of solely warning a child about the dangers of failing a test, a parent might also discuss strategies for studying effectively and reassure the child of their abilities. This balanced approach encourages a healthier mindset and resilience in the face of challenges.

It also echoes the friend who pressured someone to pet sit an aggressive cat.

This is such a funny thing to me because I don't get why we were told this. Did our parents just not want us making silly faces?

u/Marshalljoe

This is true; they definitely don't, but that doesn't mean that your next job can't ask about the situations you've been in during your work life.

u/Marshalljoe

The things that parents will do to get their kids not to do bad things.

u/Marshalljoe

The warnings adults give often stem from their own experiences and fears, which can create a cycle of anxiety passed down to future generations. This transmission of anxiety illustrates the importance of awareness in parenting and the need to break the cycle.

One practical recommendation is for parents to engage in 'mindful parenting,' which involves being present and aware of one's emotions and reactions. This practice encourages parents to reflect on the fears they project onto their children and to approach discussions about risk with a calmer, more balanced perspective. By doing so, they can foster an environment where children feel safe to explore their world without unnecessary fear.

It's wild because now many people are making great careers without a degree.

u/Marshalljoe

The benefits of this will come in handy if needed, but for now, it seems pointless.

u/Marshalljoe

This is totally not a thing that happens literally ever.

u/Marshalljoe

Children are often warned about the dangers of peer pressure and social comparison, which can be magnified during adolescence. When children are constantly compared to their peers, they may develop a distorted self-image, leading to anxiety and feelings of inadequacy. Encouraging children to set their own goals and recognize their unique strengths can foster a healthier self-concept. Parents might also promote discussions around the unrealistic portrayals often seen on social media, emphasizing that not all comparisons provide an accurate or fair view of one's worth.

This is so true, and it should be taught that predators can be in your own family.

u/Marshalljoe

These scenarios were some of the ones I was told as a kid too, so it's crazy to see that we all had similar experiences and still haven't dealt with some of the things we were worried about. Parents are just funny in what they tell kids.

Do you have any to add to this list that you were told?

It is a pretty relatable reminder that a lot of childhood warnings were bigger in our heads than they ever turned out to be. Some of them were harmless, some were a little off, and all of them say a lot about how adults try to keep kids in line.

And if you think childhood warnings were intense, check out these vintage photos showing grandparents treating “safety” like a suggestion.