The origin of the proverb "children should be seen and not heard" is tied to past societal norms, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries, which emphasized that children should remain quiet and obedient in the presence of adults. The saying suggests that children should only be noticed for their presence or appearance, not for their voices or opinions, which were often considered unimportant. It reflects a belief that children should not interrupt or engage in adult conversations. Today, the proverb is seen as outdated, as it discourages children from expressing themselves and denies the value of their thoughts and perspectives.