25 Common Beliefs That Are Totally Wrong

Children who eat sugar become hyperactive.

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The Sugar and Hyperactivity Myth The idea that sugar turns kids into hyperactive whirlwinds is a classic parenting myth. It’s easy to see why—kids often eat sweets at lively events like parties, where their excitement peaks. But science shows no real link between sugar and hyper behavior. A 1994 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association confirmed sugar doesn’t affect kids’ behavior or focus. The "sugar rush" is often just situational excitement or a placebo effect, where parents expect wildness after sweets and see normal energy as hyperactivity.

Though sugar doesn’t cause chaos, limiting it is still wise for health reasons like avoiding obesity, cavities, and diabetes. Knowing sugar’s real impact helps parents make smarter choices without wrongly blaming treats for their kids’ boundless energy.