Do you know any old wives’ tales? You probably heard them from your mom. And she heard them from her mom. Many of these tales aren’t true, but we talk about them anyway. For example, don’t go outside with wet hair, or you’ll catch a cold. If you drop food and pick it up in under five seconds, it is safe to eat. You should eat a lot when you have a cold, but only eat a little when you have a fever. And eating bread crusts makes your hair curly.

Find It

What didn’t work to make Julie’s hair curly?

Conversation A

(in the office)

Greg:     Five-second rule!

Julie:      Umm . . . that’s not true, Greg. Picking up food off the floor and eating it isn’t safe at any time.

Greg:     I know. It’s an old wives’ tale. It’s just for fun.

Julie:      That’s true. I know several old wives’ tales.

Greg:     Like what?

Julie:      Eat a lot when you have a cold, but not when you have a fever.

Conversation B 

Greg:     Let me tell you another one. Eating bread crusts will make your hair curly.

Julie:      My mom said that, too. But it didn’t work for me!

Greg:     Because it’s not true. Your mom just wanted you to eat all your food.

Julie:      I know another one: Don’t go outside with wet hair, or you’ll get a cold.

Greg:     Did you do it anyway?

Julie:      Yes, and I never got sick.

Questions

1. What does an old wives’ tale say about a fever?

2. What old wives’ tales do you know?