As I grow older, I crave more independence. While my parents have major influence over my current curfew, what I eat for dinner, and the location I reside in, I think I should begin to take a majority of my parent’s advice with a grain of salt. It’s about time to explore the myths parents have fed us over the years.

Myth 1: “Everything you do revolves around getting into college.” No, mom and dad, just because I received ISS once in middle school does not mean a university will not accept me. Nor will my Facebook status with a cuss word prevent me from college acceptance.

Myth 2: “Good people do well in life and bad people do badly.” If you follow any current events, then you should be well aware that the cutthroat businessmen on Wall Street have much better living conditions than those living in poverty who kept their morals intact. You have to play to win, kids.

Myth 3: “I am doing this for your own good.” Let’s be honest, if you were doing it for my own good, I wouldn’t be upset about your decision. Parents should definitely work on the whole ‘collaborative decision’ and include everybody in the ‘for your own good’ venture.

Myth 4: If you tell me the truth, you won’t get in trouble. You are being set up for failure if you assume your parents will let you get away with driving through your grass if you just tell them. The sooner you admit to your foul, the sooner you’re grounded.

When making future decisions, keep in mind that parents tend to exaggerate the truth, sometimes even more than kids. Do not set yourself up for failure by giving into the biggest lies they tell you. I’m not encouraging you to not go to college or to purposely be a horrible person, but just consider that your parents might not always know what’s best.