In recent years, discussions surrounding consent education have extended into early childhood, prompting debates on how and when to introduce these concepts. A notable perspective within this discourse is the suggestion that parents should seek their infants’ permission before changing diapers, aiming to foster a culture of consent from birth. This idea, while controversial, has sparked conversations about bodily autonomy, early education, and parenting practices.
The Proposal: Introducing Consent from Infancy
Deanne Carson, a sexuality educator, speaker, and author, advocates for initiating consent education at the earliest stages of a child’s life. In an interview with ABC News, Carson emphasized the importance of establishing a “culture of consent” starting from birth. She suggests that parents can begin this process during routine activities, such as diaper changes, by asking the infant’s permission before proceeding. Carson acknowledges that a baby cannot verbally respond but recommends that parents pause, make eye contact, and observe body language to convey that the child’s response matters.
- Carson explains: “Of course a baby is not going to respond ‘yes mum, that is awesome, I’d love to have my nappy changed.’ But if you leave a space and wait for body language and wait to make eye contact then you are letting that child know that their response matters.”
Rationale Behind the Approach
The underlying rationale for this approach is to instill a sense of bodily autonomy and respect from a young age. By consistently communicating with the child about actions involving their body, parents can lay the groundwork for understanding personal boundaries and consent as the child grows. This method aligns with broader educational strategies that aim to empower children to voice their comfort or discomfort in various situations, potentially reducing vulnerability to inappropriate interactions in the future.
Public Reaction and Criticism
The proposal has been met with a spectrum of reactions, ranging from support to skepticism and criticism. Critics argue that infants lack the cognitive ability to comprehend or grant consent, rendering the practice ineffective or even absurd. Some express concerns that such measures could lead to confusion about the practical aspects of caregiving, where certain actions must be performed regardless of the child’s immediate willingness, such as diaper changes necessary for hygiene and health.
For instance, a Reddit discussion highlighted these concerns, with one user stating: “The problem with trying to get consent for things like changing a diaper when they can communicate is that it sets up the idea that if they don’t consent, they don’t have to do it.”
Support and Alternative Perspectives
Conversely, supporters of the approach argue that it’s not about obtaining explicit consent but about modeling respectful interaction and acknowledging the child’s agency. They believe that such practices can contribute to a child’s understanding of consent and personal boundaries as they develop. Some parents and educators advocate for narrating actions and seeking cooperation during caregiving tasks to foster a respectful and communicative environment.
An article from The Bump discusses this perspective, noting that while a baby cannot respond verbally, the act of asking and explaining can be part of building a foundation for understanding consent: “In an effort to prove a point about consent, one sexuality expert says parents should be asking baby for consent before they change a diaper.”
Expert Clarifications
In response to the backlash, Carson clarified that her intent was to encourage respectful communication and the establishment of a culture where the child’s response is valued. She emphasized that such practices are part of broader abuse prevention strategies and are not about expecting a verbal response from the infant. Carson highlighted that introducing these concepts early can contribute to a child’s understanding of consent and personal boundaries as they grow.
Conclusion
The suggestion to ask infants for permission before diaper changes serves as a catalyst for broader discussions on consent education and parenting practices. While the practicality of implementing such measures with infants is debated, the core objective is to promote a culture of respect and bodily autonomy from an early age. As societal awareness of consent continues to evolve, these conversations highlight the complexities and varying opinions on how best to instill these values in future generations.
