Can you imagine asking a baby for permission to clean them? Australian child abuse prevention expert Deanne Carson set social media on fire after suggesting that parents should seek “consent” from their children before changing a diaper.
According to her, saying something like, “I’m going to change you now, is that okay?” helps build a culture of respect from the very beginning.
While a baby obviously won’t respond with words, Carson argues that parents should wait for eye contact so the child feels their response matters. “If you pause and give them space to react,” she says, children begin to learn they have control over their own bodies.
Unsurprisingly, the internet was quick to react, with many calling the idea ridiculous or satirical. For many people, waiting for a newborn’s approval while dealing with a messy diaper feels like taking modern parenting to an extreme. What would you do—wait for permission or clean up right away?