Early childhood experts are urging parents to use nappy changes as a teaching moment to help babies and toddlers learn about consent.
The Australian academics say while there’s been a big focus on teaching older children about consent, there’s no need for parents to wait until their kids are teens to talk to them about appropriate touching and consent.
Deakin University Research Fellow, Early Childhood and Teacher Education, Katherine Bussey and her colleague Nicola Downes, a lecturer in Early Childhood, penned an article for The Conversation explaining why we should rush through nappy changes.
“Nappy changes can easily be seen by parents as a task to rush through and just ‘get done’,” they explain.
“But this can be a time to help children learn about consent and how their bodies work. Toileting is something young children will take charge of in the future. What happens before learning how to use the toilet should not be a mystery.”

The experts say the earlier we talk about consent with our children, the earlier it simply becomes an everyday part of life.
They’ve also outlined tips for parents who want to introduce consent during nappy changes. It starts with letting your child know what’s happening, and giving them some control.
“At the start of a nappy change, ensure your child knows what is happening. Get down to their level and say, “you need a nappy change” and then pause so they can take this in. Then you can say, “do you want to walk/crawl with me to the change table, or would you like me to carry you?”
“Observe their facial expressions and body language to check if they understand what is happening. Aim to be positive, gentle and responsive to your child.”
The researchers recommend not distracting your child during nappy changes, so they learn to notice when someone is touching their intimate areas.
“Even in early infancy, children can respond to consistent verbal cues. So try to use similar language and follow regular nappy changing routines that involve children in conversation. For example, “can you please lift up your bottom so I can slide your nappy out?” These habits plant the seed of the idea that a child has the right to say what happens to their body.”
The researchers also recommend using the correct anatomical terms for parts of the body, and recognising your child’s body language and cues.
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