Parenting is full of challenges, and amidst the love and laughter, there’s also the not-so-pleasant task of dealing with dirty diapers. It’s not a glamorous part of the job, but obviously, it’s essential. After all, we were all babies once. However, one thing to note is that babies can’t speak.
An expert has suggested that parents should ask for permission from their babies before changing their diapers to promote a culture of consent.
The suggestion from one expert that parents should seek permission from their babies before changing their diapers has certainly caught people’s attention. Deanne Carson, who describes herself as a “sexuality educator, speaker, and author,” has initiated a discussion about consent culture starting from infancy.
In a 2018 interview on ABC, Carson discussed her views on promoting a culture of consent from a young age. While she usually discusses consent with children aged three and older, she stressed the importance of introducing these concepts even earlier.
While newborns can’t speak, Carson emphasized the significance of non-verbal cues, such as eye contact, in conveying the message that a child’s response is important.
During a segment focused on consent laws, she elaborated, “We work with children from three years old. We work with parents from birth.”
This unique perspective prompted a journalist to inquire, “So, this begins right from birth?”
“Yes, just about how to set up a culture of consent in their homes so ‘I’m going to change your nappy now, is that OK?'” Deanne responded.
She also admitted that anticipating a verbal reply from an infant is impractical, quipping, “Of course, a baby is not going to respond ‘Yes, mum, that’s awesome, I’d love to have my nappy changed.’”
Carson expanded on the concept, suggesting that by pausing briefly and waiting for non-verbal signals like eye contact, parents can convey to their babies that their responses are meaningful.
This assertion sparked considerable debate online, as many questioned the necessity of seeking permission from a baby who lacks an understanding of the situation.
“And what happens when baby says no? Do it anyway? Whoa, now there is the real problem,” someone asked.
“Either she has never wrestled a toddler during a change or worse, she just left hers in a s****y nappy until it was ready to consent,” added another.