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What’s something you used to believe as a kid that seems ridiculous now?

I’m pretty sure this saying – not learned from my parents – led to a real nightmare.

I’d heard other kids in my street say this and didn’t know what it was about. I don’t remember ever asking my parents or 4 brothers what it meant either.

The connotation was clearly meant to be scary but I don’t recall ever being convinced that it was real or something that should bother me. Turns out that it’s a common belief in the UK and is used to frighten or discourage children from some negative behaviours.

Not to be confused with KC and the Sunshine Band song “I’m your boogie man”. 😅😅😅😅 that’s a completely different thing altogether!

As I was saying, at some point I had my only nightmare as a kid. We lived in an old council house with 4 bedrooms. In our room there was a concealed air brick [I know this now but hadn’t a clue when I was 8!]. It must have been Winter because we had loads of blankets and covers on the bed.

I’m asleep and floating around the room when I notice a little insect leg on the edge of the cover of said air brick cover. This was rapidly followed by more legs then the abdomen and it doesn’t stop. They keep coming, getting bigger and bigger and then they all sprout wings and start flying towards me with a venomous look and the biggest stings you ever did see! I was terrified!

Just as they closed in on me I awoke, sweating vigorously. It was dark and I couldn’t see a dicky bird*. You know that semi-conscious stupor you get when you wake up, right? That was me. “What the heck is going on?”

Everyone was asleep. The after vision dissolved and I realised I was dreaming. But boy was it real! It would make a good horror story or film.

This all sounds so ludicrous now. I’ve never had the dream again and wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.

Me and my first wife never used such nonsense in bringing up our kids. I think that any parent that does so is asking for trouble later in their upbringing. After all, it’s quite simply a lie used to suppress their conduct and there are far better ways to influence and cultivate obedience and respect for a better outcome.

I’m pleased to say that my kids have become responsible caring adults with great kids of their own.

The lesson? Teach your kids real values, appreciation for what they have and how they can make a positive contribution to society. Don’t tell them lies. It’s both counterproductive and a fruitless process with no benefit to anyone.

Have a great day!

* “dicky bird” = colloquial English for anything, not necessarily the feathered friends we all love.