“Children should be seen and not heard”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
The phrase suggests that children should behave quietly and not speak unless spoken to, emphasizing the expectation that they should be unobtrusive and well-behaved.
Tone The tone of this phrase is generally authoritarian and old-fashioned, reflecting traditional views on children and their place in society.
Where it comes from
The phrase originates from the 15th-century religious talk and was later popularized during Victorian times. It was often used to reinforce societal expectations of children’s behavior in public and around adults.
Examples
- Whenever the adults were talking, Claire reminded her kids that children should be seen and not heard.
- In his house, John expected that children should be seen and not heard during family gatherings.
- The old saying that children should be seen and not heard often comes under scrutiny in more modern parenting discussions.
Spotted a mistake in this article? Tell us