In an interesting twist to promoting a ‘culture of consent,’ a sexuality expert suggests that parents should seek their baby’s permission before changing their diapers.
The idea, introduced by Deanne Carson during a segment on ABC News, caught many by surprise, leaving viewers pondering its feasibility and purpose in nurturing respect and understanding from an early age.
Deanne Carson, who describes herself on social media as a “sexuality educator, speaker, and author,” shares a philosophy that the journey toward creating a consent culture should commence right from birth.
While acknowledging the obvious—that infants are too young to verbally communicate—Carson explained her perspective, “Naturally, a baby isn’t going to respond with ‘Yes, mom, that sounds wonderful, please change my diaper.’”
However, she suggests that the gesture is not about verbal approval. Instead, it builds a foundation where children understand that their reactions and signals hold importance, paving the way for recognizing body language and eye contact as critical components of interaction.
Speaking with ABC, Carson elaborated on her work with children starting as young as three years old. She emphasizes the necessity for parents to embed these values early in life, fostering an environment where consent is not merely understood but feels instinctive.
Through her experience, Carson sees immense value in this practice, advocating that waiting for physical cues and responses demonstrates respect and consideration toward the child.
By illustrating this approach, Carson hopes to influence how parents interact with their children, aiming to normalize the practice of seeking non-verbal consent in everyday activities.
Amidst skeptical responses, Carson stands by her notion of initiating healthy boundaries and communication skills from the initial days of a child’s life, suggesting that these early lessons have far-reaching implications.
For many parents, this concept offers a refreshing perspective on child-rearing, introducing new dimensions to parenting styles that align with a sensitive and forward-thinking approach.
While reactions vary, the prominent message here is to encourage a respectful communication channel between parent and child, fostering an environment where consent becomes a natural dialogue.
Carson’s vision extends to future generations, where children grow up understanding their autonomy and the power of consent, ultimately contributing to a society where respectful interactions are the norm.
This philosophy extends beyond just changing diapers. It sets the stage for recognizing and respecting personal boundaries, an essential survival skill in the broader world.
In a world increasingly aware of the importance of consent, parents adopting these practices may find their children better equipped to handle social interactions with empathy and respect.
Parents who are willing to embrace this journey can look at these early conversations as investments in building empathetic relationships. Engaging with the child, even in seemingly trivial acts like changing a diaper, can transform into occasions for reaffirming trust and respect.
Beyond the nursery, Carson’s message encourages parents to view their interactions as educational, where children learn crucial life skills by simply observing how their parents respect and respond to their needs.
Let’s not forget, these child-parent exchanges could potentially lay a solid groundwork for how children perceive relationships and consent as they grow, ultimately shaping their understanding of personal autonomy.
So, the next time you reach for a diaper, consider this moment as an opportunity to engage, respect, and perhaps even wonder at the potential of these small but significant interactions.
