what does the phrase the child is father to the man mean?

Question

can someone explain what does the phrase the child is father to the man mean?

Answer 1

the child bosses the father around. the child thinks they are in control, but the parent should be in control of the child.

Answer 2

It means that what you are as a child is how you will be as an adult. It was coined by a William Wordsworth in a poem called "The Rainbow."

"The Rainbow" (1802)

My heart leaps up when I behold
A rainbow in the sky:

So was it when my life began;
So is it now I am a man;
So be it when I shall grow old,
Or let me die!

The Child is father of the Man;
I could wish my days to be

Bound each to each by natural piety.

By William Wordsworth (1770-1850).

Answer 3

As you are as a child, you are likely to be as a man.

Answer 4

i'd say it means the father is more of a kid and the child is more of an adult. so the kid takes care of the dad, not the other way around.