The 60 Minute Myth

Thanks to Eric Fulton for this writing prompt. For those of you who don’t know, he is the geo- tracking, pizza-making mastermind of Eric Fulton’s blog. If you haven’t had a look yet, check it out!

What did you believe as a kid that you now realize was absolute nonsense?

For me, it was the ironclad rule: “You must wait one hour after eating before you swim.”

People tried to explain it to me. They tried to scientifically rationalize this great parental lie. I remember hearing that the cold water would cause a violent reaction in your stomach muscles while you were trying to digest, and you’d get deathly ill. Of course, we now know that isn’t true.

The Moment the Science Failed

I learned the truth the same way most kids do: by accident. One day, I realized I was already chest-deep in the water and it hadn’t been a full hour. I felt that sudden spike of panic: Is something going to happen? Am I going to get sick right here? Then, I heard a revised version—presumably after I’d survived my “illegal” swim—that the rule was actually only thirty minutes. I remember thinking to my young self: How could they have gotten this rule so wrong? At that point, I started to catch on.

It was one of a series of “parental betrayals”—right up there with Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy. Part of growing up is the jarring, inevitable realization that the world doesn’t always function the way your parents told you it does.

The Parent’s Perspective

But now, as a parent myself? I get it. When I’m deep in the “kid hangover” or just need a moment of stillness, I find myself tempted to invent my own benevolent lies just to buy twenty minutes of peace.

For those who don’t already know: no, there is no rule. There is no scientific basis for waiting. The only real “science” involved was a parent who just needed a break from lifeguard duty.

For a long time, I’ve been sharing my thoughts here on the page—navigating the ‘art of moving slowly’ and the ‘audacity of potential.’ This Wednesday, the conversation evolves. I’m officially launching season 2 of the podcast, and I’d love for you to join me in this newly redesigned space.

Watch this space on Wednesday for the season premiere link!

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The article “The 60 Minute Myth” first appeared in Rebuilding Rob.