--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is a curious fact that small boys are…" description: "\"“It is a curious fact that small boys are more terrified of their babysitters than small girls are. In part, this is because small girls and babysitter..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6cf/john-connolly-1479_adult-life_it-is-a-curious-fact-that-small-boys-are_3170253.png" --- # It is a curious fact that small boys are more terrified of… ![“It is a curious fact that small boys are more terrified of their babysitters than small girls are. In part, this is because small girls and babysitters, who are usually slightly larger girls, belong to the same species, and therefore understand each other. Small boys, on the other hand, do not…” quote by John Connolly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6cf/john-connolly-1479_adult-life_it-is-a-curious-fact-that-small-boys-are_3170253.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6cf/john-connolly-1479_adult-life_it-is-a-curious-fact-that-small-boys-are_3170253.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6cf/john-connolly-1479_adult-life_it-is-a-curious-fact-that-small-boys-are_3170253.png) > ““It is a curious fact that small boys are more terrified of their babysitters than small girls are. In part, this is because small girls and babysitters, who are usually slightly larger girls, belong to the same species, and therefore understand each other. Small boys, on the other hand, do not understand girls, and therefore being looked after by one is a little like a hamster being looked after by a shark. If you are a small boy, it may be some consolation to you to know that even large boys do not understand girls, and girls, by and large, do not understand boys. This makes adult life very interesting.”” [John Connolly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-connolly/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Gender differences in childhood fear stem from social perception and unfamiliarity. **In simple terms:** Boys fear unfamiliar girls; girls understand each other. Key Takeaway Recognize and bridge gender perception gaps. Themes gender childhood fear Mood thoughtful humorous Type observational insightful When to use this quote - parenting - education - team building Key Concepts socialization misunderstanding empathy Questions to Reflect On - How do gender perceptions shape interactions? - What can reduce fear of the unfamiliar? A Different Perspective Stereotyping can oversimplify complex social dynamics. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Adult life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/adult-life/) [Babysitter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/babysitter/) [Babysitters Small](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/babysitters-small-5766830/) [Babysitters Usually](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/babysitters-usually-5766831/) [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Humorous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humorous/) [Small Boys](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/small-boys-665975/) [Terrified Babysitters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/terrified-babysitters-5766832/) [Understand Boys](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/understand-boys-1944010/) ## Related quotes > [Small boys become big men through the influence of big men who care about small boys.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/small-boys-become-big-men-through-the-influence-of-big-men-who-care/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Whatever good there is in small boys is usually based upon their admiration for girls of their own age.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-brisbane/whatever-good-there-is-in-small-boys-is-usually-based-upon-their/) [Arthur Brisbane](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-brisbane/) > [I used to think the only use for sport was to give small boys something else to kick besides me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/katharine-whitehorn/i-used-to-think-the-only-use-for-sport-was-to-give-small-boys/) [Katharine Whitehorn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/katharine-whitehorn/) > [“The small boys came early to the hanging.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ken-follett/the-small-boys-came-early-to-the-hanging/) [Ken Follett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ken-follett/) > [“Small boys were a mystery to Sylvie. The satisfaction they gained from throwing sticks or stones for hours on end, the obsessive collection of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kate-atkinson/small-boys-were-a-mystery-to-sylvie-the-satisfaction-they-gained-from/) [Kate Atkinson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kate-atkinson/) > [Things without defense: insects, kittens, small boys.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-fussell/things-without-defense-insects-kittens-small-boys/) [Paul Fussell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-fussell/) > [Mathematics-a wonderful science, but it hasn't yet come up with a way to divide one tricycle between three small boys.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/earl-wilson/mathematics-a-wonderful-science-but-it-hasn-t-yet-come-up-with-a-way/) [Earl Wilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/earl-wilson/) > [Girls don't understand boys because most are immature. Boys don't understand girls because most are mature.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/girls-don-t-understand-boys-because-most-are-immature-boys-don-t/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I will never understand why boys hurt the only girl who truly cares about them. But if they're okay with hurting you, you better…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lifeofyourparty/i-will-never-understand-why-boys-hurt-the-only-girl-who-truly-cares/) [LifeOfYourParty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lifeofyourparty/) > [“I understood books. I did not understand boys—especially alien boys.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jennifer-l-armentrout/i-understood-books-i-did-not-understand-boys-especially-alien-boys/) [Jennifer L. Armentrout](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jennifer-l-armentrout/) > [“I don't know. I don't understand how boys think. If I knew that I'd be a millionare.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/magan-vernon/i-don-t-know-i-don-t-understand-how-boys-think-if-i-knew-that-i-d-be/) [Magan Vernon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/magan-vernon/) > [I don't understand boys at all and they don't understand me...It's a cruel world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-don-t-understand-boys-at-all-and-they-don-t-understand-me-it-s-a/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I also dont understand why boys swear they DESERVE or are WORTHY of having a good female in their life?! Like take a look…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-also-dont-understand-why-boys-swear-they-deserve-or-are-worthy-of/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Boys need girls that understand him well that they can back off when boys need time and space to be alone.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/boys-need-girls-that-understand-him-well-that-they-can-back-off-when/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I don't understand boys - just ask my husband.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arabella-weir/i-don-t-understand-boys-just-ask-my-husband/) [Arabella Weir](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arabella-weir/) ## More by John Connolly > [There is sometimes a feeling in crime fiction that good writing gets in the way of story. I have never felt that way. All…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-connolly/there-is-sometimes-a-feeling-in-crime-fiction-that-good-writing-gets/) [John Connolly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-connolly/) > [He had quite liked the dwarfs. He often had no idea what they were talking about, but for a group of homicidal, class-obsessed small…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-connolly/he-had-quite-liked-the-dwarfs-he-often-had-no-idea-what-they-were/) [John Connolly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-connolly/) > [I'm a ghost," said the small figure, then added, a little uncertainly, "Boo?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-connolly/i-m-a-ghost-said-the-small-figure-then-added-a-little-uncertainly-boo/) [John Connolly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-connolly/) > [“There is a price to be paid for everything, and it is a good idea to find out that price before you make the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-connolly/there-is-a-price-to-be-paid-for-everything-and-it-is-a-good-idea-to/) [John Connolly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-connolly/) > [“She was a round, curvy woman who, for Parker, brought to mind a figure assembled from a selection of soft fruits. Aside”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-connolly/she-was-a-round-curvy-woman-who-for-parker-brought-to-mind-a-figure/) [John Connolly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-connolly/) > [“Prepare for the worst and you won’t be disappointed.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-connolly/prepare-for-the-worst-and-you-won-t-be-disappointed/) [John Connolly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-connolly/) > [“When Louis relaxed, it was an indication that a threat was at hand and he was preparing to act, as when an archer releases…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-connolly/when-louis-relaxed-it-was-an-indication-that-a-threat-was-at-hand-and/) [John Connolly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-connolly/) > [“The presence in the living room called to her, summoning her in a hundred voices and none, a great dissonant harmony alien yet familiar,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-connolly/the-presence-in-the-living-room-called-to-her-summoning-her-in-a/) [John Connolly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-connolly/) > [“Warraner would rather have been the king of nothing than the prince of something.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-connolly/warraner-would-rather-have-been-the-king-of-nothing-than-the-prince/) [John Connolly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-connolly/) > [“had been like wandering into the wrong carnival sideshow, the kind that left one feeling sick and slightly soiled.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-connolly/had-been-like-wandering-into-the-wrong-carnival-sideshow-the-kind/) [John Connolly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-connolly/) > [“think you just like tethering goats.” “Well, be sure to tell me when your rope begins”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-connolly/think-you-just-like-tethering-goats-well-be-sure-to-tell-me-when-your/) [John Connolly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-connolly/) > [“David could tell, by looking at her face as she read, whether or not the story contained in the book was living inside her,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-connolly/david-could-tell-by-looking-at-her-face-as-she-read-whether-or-not/) [John Connolly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-connolly/) > [“Before she came ill, David's mother would often tell him that stories were alive. They weren't alive in the way that people were alive,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-connolly/before-she-came-ill-david-s-mother-would-often-tell-him-that-stories/) [John Connolly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-connolly/) > [“Stories wanted to be read, David's mother would whisper. They needed it. It was the reason they forced themselves from their world into ours.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-connolly/stories-wanted-to-be-read-david-s-mother-would-whisper-they-needed-it/) [John Connolly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-connolly/) > [She was plump, with dyed red hair and a face so caked with cosmetics that the floor of the Amazon jungle probably saw more…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-connolly/she-was-plump-with-dyed-red-hair-and-a-face-so-caked-with-cosmetics/) [John Connolly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-connolly/) [Explore all 232 John Connolly quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-connolly/) ## More Adult life quotes > [“Not very long ago I was driving with my husband on the back roads of Grey County, which is to the north and east…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alice-munro/not-very-long-ago-i-was-driving-with-my-husband-on-the-back-roads-of/) [Alice Munro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alice-munro/) > [I have spent my entire adult life trying to make Liberty University the world-class Christian university that was envisioned at its founding.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerry-falwell-jr/i-have-spent-my-entire-adult-life-trying-to-make-liberty-university/) [Jerry Falwell, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jerry-falwell-jr/) > [I spent close to a decade as an undercover officer in the CIA and have spent most of my adult life collecting intelligence and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/will-hurd/i-spent-close-to-a-decade-as-an-undercover-officer-in-the-cia-and/) [Will Hurd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/will-hurd/) > [I have been in relatively high-risk businesses all of my adult life. Few of the others, however, had the possibility of direct gains in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neil-armstrong/i-have-been-in-relatively-high-risk-businesses-all-of-my-adult-life/) [Neil Armstrong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neil-armstrong/) > [“I have spent most of my adult life in a ghetto among countless other outsiders who have also learned how to talk through the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jamake-highwater/i-have-spent-most-of-my-adult-life-in-a-ghetto-among-countless-other/) [Jamake Highwater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jamake-highwater/) > [Mike Bloomberg may be a Republican these days. But he has been a Democrat for most of his adult life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/randi-weingarten/mike-bloomberg-may-be-a-republican-these-days-but-he-has-been-a/) [Randi Weingarten](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/randi-weingarten/) > [“She could not remember ever being truly happy in her adult life; her years with her mother had been built up devotedly around small…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shirley-jackson/she-could-not-remember-ever-being-truly-happy-in-her-adult-life-her/) [Shirley Jackson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shirley-jackson/) > [“So, I begin each day with a gesture of cynicism, and close it with a gesture of faith; or, if you prefer, begin it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-barth/so-i-begin-each-day-with-a-gesture-of-cynicism-and-close-it-with-a/) [John Barth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-barth/) > [I was pretty poor for a long time. Not \*poor\* poor. But college student poor. I lived for most of my adult life living…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-rothfuss/i-was-pretty-poor-for-a-long-time-not-poor-poor-but-college-student/) [Patrick Rothfuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-rothfuss/) > [Hillary Clinton is tough, clever, and formidably well briefed, and has been politically ambitious all her adult life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/linda-colley/hillary-clinton-is-tough-clever-and-formidably-well-briefed-and-has/) [Linda Colley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/linda-colley/) > [I was really poor for most of my adult life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zoe-leonard/i-was-really-poor-for-most-of-my-adult-life/) [Zoe Leonard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zoe-leonard/) > [“When I heard Zizek’s statement, I have to admit that I reacted strongly against it. 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