One of the things that parents do to their children while they are young is to tell them lies. Young children trust their parents implicitly, so they believe everything they say. Telling children that Father Christmas will bring presents down the chimney on Christmas Eve is a lie. But it encourages children to behave well for a reward, which is a good lesson to learn.

Other things that parents tell their children are not so friendly, and can even be scary, change the child's view of the world, or linger on until adulthood. Is there any harm in telling children little white lies in this manner, or should the myths be thought of as a helping hand?

• Did your parents tell you about Santa, and how old were you when you found he didn't exist?

• Is it true that if the wind changes your face will stay like that?

• What were you told when you were a child?

• Can someone explain why the facts of life are referred to as 'the birds and the bees'?

• Traditionally the stork brings new babies, but why do they leave them under gooseberry bushes?

• Did all those adults with curly hair really eat their crusts?

• Are the any new myths that adults tell their children?

• Did your parents tell you something that no other parent would dream of telling their child?

• Have you, or will you, tell your children any of these myths?