Children suck the mother when they are young, and the father when they are old.

Meaning: Offspring depend on maternal care initially, then seek paternal resources and guidance as they mature.

Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.

More proverbs about Human Nature

It's not the gay coat that makes the gentleman. — Fine clothing cannot manufacture character; true gentility emerges from conduct and virtu…
Who goes worse shod than the cobbler's wife? — A craftsman's family often lacks what he could provide, neglecting loved ones while servi…
I'll not change a cottage in possession for a kingdom in reversion. — Keeping what you securely own now matters more than chasing uncertain future rewards.
Don't cry out before you're hurt. — Avoid raising alarms or expressing distress prematurely when danger hasn't actually mater…
Once a use and ever a custom. — Repeated actions solidify into habits that become difficult to break or question.
They love dancing well that dance among thorns. — Those who find joy in difficult circumstances demonstrate true resilience and optimism.

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