An Australian \u201csexuality educator,\u201d Deanne Carson, sparked controversy online by suggesting parents should ask babies for consent before changing diapers. She argues that a \u201cculture of consent\u201d should begin at birth, aiming to teach respect and boundaries early\u2014even if babies can’t respond verbally.<\/p>\n
Carson encourages parents to pause, make eye contact, and read body language, promoting two-way communication and bodily autonomy from infancy. She clarifies it’s not about getting a literal “yes” but modeling respect.<\/p>\n
Critics dismissed the idea as impractical and extreme. Commentators called it \u201clefty lunacy\u201d and \u201cbizarre,\u201d arguing babies can\u2019t grasp consent. Social media users mocked Carson, suggesting the real issue is simply responding to a baby\u2019s discomfort.<\/p>\n
Still, some defended her, saying the idea promotes respectful parenting, even if her example was poorly chosen. Others felt Carson\u2019s message was overshadowed by its execution.<\/p>\n
While divisive, the debate highlights evolving parenting norms, with some embracing the idea as part of a mindful, communicative approach to child-rearing.<\/p>\n