Skip to content

Boys Quote by Jeanette Winterson

“The only sex education my mother ever gave me was the injunction: 'Never let a boy touch you down there.' I had no idea what she meant. She seemed to be referring to my knees.” quote by Jeanette Winterson
Download Open image
“The only sex education my mother ever gave me was the injunction: 'Never let a boy touch you down there.' I had no idea what she meant. She seemed to be referring to my knees.”

Jeanette Winterson

About This Quote

Source Novel: Sexing the Cherry, 1989

The quote humorously highlights a mother's vague, overly protective advice about sexual boundaries, revealing generational gaps in communication.

In simple terms: A mother’s vague warning about sexual contact is misunderstood.

Key Takeaway

Clarify boundaries clearly with children.

Themes

sexuality communication family dynamics

Mood

conflicted reflective

Type

cautionary humorous

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • sex education
  • adolescent development

Key Concepts

protective instincts misinterpretation generational gaps

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can parents give clear, age‑appropriate sexual guidance?
  • What are better ways to discuss consent?
A Different Perspective

Advice may be too vague to be effective.

4.7 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Jeanette Winterson

Explore all 1,016 Jeanette Winterson quotes

More Boys quotes

Browse all 7,168 Boys quotes