If there’s one certainty in life, it’s that everyone has opinions. In today’s digital age, the Internet has become a loudspeaker for those opinions, no matter how unconventional they may seem. Curiously, it often seems the more unconventional an opinion, the more attention it garners.
An interesting instance of this phenomenon involves a self-described relationship expert who has sparked a considerable amount of buzz online. This expert proposed that parents should seek their infants’ consent before proceeding with a diaper change. This suggestion has stirred quite a reaction among parents and caregivers alike.
The topic of consent is increasingly prevalent in today’s discourse, presenting challenges and raising questions across different contexts. The idea of consulting an infant on such matters as diaper changes has entered the realm of parental debates. While some may dismiss the notion as impractical, the fundamental intent is worth considering.
The advocate of this idea is a known sexuality educator, Deanne Carson. In a dialogue on ABC in 2018, Carson explained that although usually, such ideas of consent are initiated with children older than three, she believes that introducing the concept of consent early on is imperative. She understands that babies cannot verbalize consent but suggests they could provide nonverbal cues of agreement or readiness, such as making eye contact.
Carson emphasizes that the practice is less about the actual verbal response and more about instilling a culture of consent within the home. She outlined the method involves pausing before changing the diaper to allow for a moment of anticipation, watching for any nonverbal signals as part of fostering communication and respect from the earliest stages of a child’s life.
The discourse around this suggestion has been a mix of curiosity and skepticism—an intriguing response from the public and media alike. News reporters and parents queried what the practical response should be if a baby ‘said’ no. This highlights the complexity and sensitivity involved in interpreting and implementing this approach in everyday parenting.
