In today’s age of the internet, it seems like everyone has an opinion on everything. And sometimes, these opinions can be quite unusual. Take, for example, the recent recommendation from a self-proclaimed relationship expert who suggests that parents should ask their baby for consent before changing their diaper.
The expert, Deanne Carson, who is a sexuality educator, speaker, and author, made this suggestion in 2018 during an interview on ABC. While she acknowledges that babies may not be able to verbally respond to the request for consent, she believes that nonverbal communication, such as eye contact, should be taken into consideration.
Carson argues that this practice is about setting up a culture of consent in the home and fostering deeper communication between parents and toddlers. She suggests allowing a moment for anticipation and waiting for any nonverbal cues before proceeding with the diaper change.
Naturally, this recommendation has sparked some interesting reactions from both the media and the public. Some question what would happen if the baby said no, while others find the suggestion impractical and even absurd.
As parents, we understand that changing diapers is not the most pleasant task. But it is a necessary part of ensuring our children’s health and well-being. Adding an extra layer of asking for permission before every diaper change might seem excessive to many parents.
In the end, perhaps the most important thing to remember is that as adults, we are responsible for taking care of our babies. While teaching consent is essential, it’s crucial to strike a balance and use our best judgment in respecting their needs while also meeting their basic care requirements. After all, our ultimate goal is to raise happy and healthy children.
