After declaring that parents should get consent before changing their babies’ nappies, the author and educator was obliged to defend herself.
The controversial remark was made by s*xuality expert Deanne Carson during an ABC News segment on consent laws.
Parents should “establish a culture of consent” as soon as possible, the expert advises. “I’m going to change your diaper now, is that okay?” is one example of this.
There are other methods of getting a child’s consent even if they’re not responding to their parent, she explained: “But if you leave space and wait for body language and wait for them to make eye contact, then you’re letting that child know that their response is important .”
Carson’s appearance has sparked a lot of discussion on social media.
“I remember saying things like, ‘Time to change a diaper!'” writes one user. Or someone has wet pants! Or we get a new diaper! But requiring consent from a child?
The level of insanity that can be achieved is simply unthinkable.
Another continues: “Seriously, they cry to let you know when a diaper needs changing. What on earth is going on?”
“When a baby cries, it’s usually because they want to be changed because it’s the only way they can express their discomfort.” A third notes, “If you don’t change a child, that’s neglect.”
“What if they say no, we let them get diaper rash?” asks another.
But others praised Carson’s position, writing: “I fully support the idea of getting consent before changing a baby and giving them time to think. Congratulations on starting a discourse on a difficult subject.”
“I’m not asking for consent to change diapers,” notes another person. However, I make sure to explain to each child exactly what I intend to do and what will happen when I bring them into the changing room because I am an early childhood educator who is tasked with changing other people’s babies. I value the relationships I have with each child, not because they necessarily have a say in it.”
Carson was defended by Katie Russell, a spokeswoman for the non-profit organization R*** Crisis England and Wales, which deals with s*xual violence.
“Jen makes a very strong case for creating a ‘culture of consent’ in homes and with children from the earliest possible age,” she told Newsweek.
“It’s about parents and carers getting into positive habits of not taking their children’s consent and teaching children that they have the right to decide what happens to their bodies.”
According to parenting consultant Julia Romanowski, there are cases where parents have demanded things from their children instead of asking them.
“Respecting a child regardless of age is shown by asking for a hug, not a hug.” According to Global News, she says, “It’s the best way to respect their rights to their bodies and lives, and it’s also proper etiquette.” .”
Carson handled the strong response and spoke as well.
According to a post by an expert on the New Matilda website, she was inundated with “disgraceful messages” and backlash.
“I didn’t mean to imply that changing a baby’s diaper required their permission. “There are certain things that are non-negotiable when it comes to safety, hygiene, and health,” she explained.
“From an early age, this technique focuses on modeling an active conversation between two people in private or vulnerable situations. Establishing a family culture where the skills needed to negotiate consent in adulthood are ingrained in everyday encounters, and showing the child what caring is like in these settings.
The debate sparked by Deanne Carson’s comments about obtaining consent from infants before changing diapers highlights the complex and often contentious conversations surrounding parenting practices and the culture of consent. Carson’s intention was to promote the idea of establishing a culture of consent from an early age, encouraging parents to teach children that their bodies are their own and that their feelings matter, even if they cannot verbalize them. While her proposal is rooted in a broader notion of bodily autonomy and respect, it has met with a range of reactions.
Critics say the idea of asking babies for consent is unrealistic and impractical, pointing out that babies’ cries communicate basic needs, such as diaper changes, that are necessary for their comfort and health. On the other hand, proponents of Carson’s position appreciate the intention to teach respect for children’s bodies from the earliest stages and believe that this lays the foundation for healthier consenting attitudes as children grow.
Carson herself clarified that her remarks were not about suggesting that changing diapers requires explicit permission, but rather about promoting a culture where the concepts of consent and respect are modeled early on. According to her, this approach could help children learn to navigate personal autonomy in more complex situations later in life.
The controversy surrounding Carson’s comments will ultimately bring to light a larger conversation about how to raise children to respect their bodies and the importance of consent. While the implementation of such ideas may vary, there is general agreement that fostering a culture of consent and communication is a valuable parenting principle. As society continues to evolve on these issues, it remains to be seen how these discussions will influence future parenting philosophies and practices.