Deanne Carson, an Australian sexuality educator, has recently ignited a wide-ranging debate with her controversial suggestion that parents should ask babies for consent before changing their diapers. Carson, an advocate for sexual education and autonomy, has proposed that parents establish a “culture of consent” starting at the very beginning of a child’s life. She argues that by engaging with infants about consent, even at such a young age, parents can help foster a deep respect for their child’s autonomy as they grow older.
In her proposal, Carson suggests that parents should narrate their actions while changing a baby’s diaper by saying something like, “Is it okay to change your diaper?” and then wait for a non-verbal cue from the baby. These cues could include eye contact, body movements, or other forms of communication that might indicate whether or not the child is comfortable with the action. Carson believes this practice will help babies understand the concept of personal boundaries and consent, laying the groundwork for more comprehensive discussions on consent later in life.
However, Carson’s proposal has sparked mixed reactions from both professionals and the public. Many psychologists and experts have criticized the idea, asserting that infants are simply too young to grasp the concept of consent. They argue that babies lack the cognitive development necessary to understand the complex concept of choice, making the practice of asking for consent impractical and unnecessary. Additionally, some detractors have raised concerns about the potential for this approach to create confusion for parents, especially those who might feel pressured to interpret non-verbal cues when they are simply trying to care for their child.
On the other hand, some people have defended Carson’s approach, appreciating the underlying intention of fostering respect and communication from a very young age. They argue that promoting a culture of consent is important and that even though babies may not fully understand the concept of consent, teaching them that their bodies are their own is a valuable lesson. Supporters suggest that this practice can help lay the groundwork for future conversations about boundaries and personal autonomy, ultimately leading to a more respectful approach to relationships in the future.
Despite the controversy, there is a general consensus that communication with babies is important for their development, even if the specific issue of consent is not the focus. Many parents and experts agree that being attuned to a baby’s needs through eye contact, vocal cues, and physical touch can strengthen the parent-child bond. While not everyone agrees with the idea of asking for consent specifically, the principle of engaging with children in a respectful and communicative manner is widely supported.
In the end, Carson’s suggestion serves as a starting point for a broader discussion about how to teach children about consent and boundaries. While opinions on the approach may differ, it emphasizes the importance of parents being thoughtful and intentional about the messages they send to their children, especially when it comes to personal autonomy and respect. Ultimately, the decision on how to approach this idea comes down to individual parenting styles, personal comfort levels, and cultural values.
While the debate continues, it is clear that the broader conversation about teaching children about consent is crucial. Whether or not parents choose to follow Carson’s exact approach, the principle of instilling respect for others’ boundaries from a young age remains an important conversation in today’s society.
