Sexuality educator Deanne Carson sparked a heated discussion among parents with her unconventional advice: asking babies for permission before changing their diapers.
While infants can’t verbalize consent, Carson argues that they communicate through body language and eye contact. On ABC News in 2018, she suggested parents ask, “Is it okay?” before changing diapers.
Carson emphasizes creating a culture of consent, allowing children to understand their responses matter. However, she didn’t clarify what to do if a baby’s body language indicates reluctance.
This raised concerns among parents, wondering if they should leave their child in a soiled diaper until “consent” is given.
Reactions ranged from skepticism to outrage. Some Twitter users mocked the idea, while others acknowledged the importance of teaching consent but felt Carson took it too far.
“I’ve never been so confused. Teaching children consent is 100% important, but come on,” one person commented.
Interestingly, childcare chain Only About Children adopted a similar approach, encouraging parents to ask for cooperation during diaper changes.
Their advice includes:
Asking for help
Explaining actions
Encouraging sensory exploration
For toddlers, they suggest:
Asking for cooperation
Respecting independence
Involving them in the process
The debate highlights the challenges of balancing consent with parental responsibilities. While teaching consent is crucial, its application in everyday situations like diaper changing remains a topic of discussion.
Ultimately, parents must navigate this complex issue, considering both the importance of consent and the practicalities of childcare.
