OK, stare at the calendar if ya want. Rub the eyes, take the deep breath.
In our Nordeast Minneapolis household, Mother Lucy, farm-girl-turned-medical professional, was taken at Face Value almost every time. At least til we got to junior high (“middle school” to you, if you’re under 50).
“Uncooked meat will give you worms.” (Ma, ever heard of steak tartare ?)
(For young boys) “tea baggin'” (SLOWLY getting into hot bath water) will make you sterile. Apparently, NOT true.
Never stick anything smaller than your elbow in your ear. (Ma, invest in Q-Tips).