Crunchy mom is a term used to describe a certain parenting philosophy that emphasizes natural living and holistic practices. Crunchy moms tend to favor alternative approaches over conventional ones when it comes to pregnancy, childbirth, feeding, healthcare, education, and more. The crunchy mom movement has its roots in the natural parenting and environmentalist movements of the 1960s and 1970s.
Origin of the Term Crunchy Mom
The term “crunchy mom” or “crunchy parent” is thought to have emerged in online parenting forums and blogs in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It was used as a tongue-in-cheek way to describe parents who favored a “back-to-basics” and holistic approach to raising children. The “crunchy” part of the term implies a diet high in whole, natural foods like granola, nuts, and vegetables. It also refers to the earth-conscious lifestyle of crunchy moms.
Some possible origins of the crunchy mom term include:
- A reference to the crunchy granola stereotypically eaten by hippies and natural living enthusiasts
- The idea that these parents want to “crunch numbers” and rigorously research parenting topics
- The sound of eating fresh, wholesome foods
- The sound the earth makes when you walk gently on it, as crunchy parents aim to tread lightly ecologically
The term is sometimes used derisively by those who see crunchy parents as overly zealous or judgmental. However, many crunchy moms wear the label with pride as they feel it represents their values and commitment to mindful, eco-friendly living.
Key Beliefs and Practices
While there is diversity within the crunchy mom community, there are some key shared beliefs and practices that define the movement:
Pregnancy and Childbirth
- Using midwives and/or giving birth at home or in birth centers
- Natural childbirth with minimal medical intervention
- Breastfeeding, especially extended breastfeeding past infancy
- Delaying or avoiding circumcision of baby boys
- Planning pregnancy naturally without synthetic hormones or interventions
Parenting Style
- “Attachment parenting” model of meeting babies needs promptly and keeping them close
- Babywearing in slings or carriers
- Co-sleeping with baby or bed-sharing
- Extended breastfeeding into toddlerhood
- Keeping children out of mainstream schooling through homeschooling or unschooling
- Avoiding harsh discipline in favor of gentle, respectful approaches
Health and Food
- Organic, local, non-GMO, seasonal whole foods diet
- Avoiding conventional medication when possible
- Using alternative and natural remedies like herbs, supplements, chiropractic, etc.
- Delaying or spreading out vaccine schedule for children
- Making own baby food instead of using commercial options
Environmentalism
- Using cloth diapers and wipes
- Buying second-hand clothes, toys, and gear for children to reduce waste
- Being eco-conscious consumers in general by recycling, composting, saving energy, etc.
- Spending lots of time outdoors in nature as a family
Community
- Building local community connections, playgroups, and support networks
- Prioritizing quality family time and living simply with less clutter and activities
- Volunteering together as a family to help the community/environment
History and Influences
The crunchy mom philosophy draws inspiration from several historical sources and movements:
- Natural childbirth movement – Started in the 1950s by Grantly Dick-Read, emphasized unmedicated labor and delivery.
- Attachment parenting – Coined by Dr. William Sears in 1993, based on forming secure attachments with children.
- La Leche League – Began in 1950s, provided breastfeeding support and advocated extended nursing.
- Counterculture of the 60s/70s – Hippies rejected mainstream culture and embraced back-to-nature lifestyles.
- Homebirth movement – Rebirthed midwifery starting in the 1970s as a way to avoid over-medicalized hospital births.
- Homeschooling – Gained popularity in the 1970s among religious conservatives and later with secular crunchy parents seeking alternative education.
- Natural products industry – Companies like Tom’s of Maine and Nature’s Gate made natural personal care products available to the masses starting in the 1970s.
The internet has also played a key role in allowing crunchy moms to connect, share information, and form a distinct community and identity.
Crunchy Mom Controversies
While many see crunchy moms as well-intentioned, some of their practices have generated criticism and debate. Some controversies include:
Medical Care
Delaying or avoiding vaccines and other conventional medical treatments for children stirs major controversy. Doctors counter that these measures put children at risk of contracting deadly but preventable diseases. Crunchy moms argue vaccines carry their own risks and it should be a personal choice.
Safety Concerns
Bed-sharing and homebirth come under frequent attack as dangerous practices that jeopardize babies’ safety. Crunchy moms feel these practices have been unfairly vilified and can be done safely with proper precautions.
Extreme Dietary Standards
Some see crunchy moms’ stringent standards around food as unhealthy or impractical. For example, eliminating all grains, sugars, and dairy for children could risk depriving them of balanced nutrition. Crunchy moms counter that they ensure their kids get nutrients through whole foods.
Judgement of Parents
The crunchy disdain for “toxins” in foods, products, and environments is seen by some as judgmental virtue signaling. However, crunchy moms say they aim to live their values without shaming other parents’ choices.
Crunchy Moms vs. Helicopter Moms
While helicopter parenting and crunchy parenting both involve high levels of involvement, there are some key differences:
| Helicopter Parents | Crunchy Parents |
|---|---|
| Hyper-scheduling children in enrichment activities | Allowing more unstructured playtime |
| Pushing children academically | Delaying formal education |
| Enforcing strict rules and control | Negotiating with children and giving them choices |
| Wanting children to achieve conventional success | Emphasizing creativity, personal growth, and passion for child |
While helicopter parenting is rooted in control, crunchy parenting prioritizes nurturing children’s natural development and interests.
Crunchy Mom Stereotypes
Some common stereotypes of crunchy moms include:
- Driving Volvo wagons
- Being stay-at-home moms
- Homeschooling their kids
- Only feeding their families organic, gluten-free, farm-to-table fare
- Wearing their babies in slings while doing household chores
- Being anti-vaccine
- Using essential oils and crystals for healing
- Being sanctimonious about their lifestyle choices
In reality, crunchy moms are a diverse group with each mom adopting only some of these practices. There are also plenty of crunchy dads embracing this parenting philosophy.
Is Crunchy Parenting Right for You?
If you are considering a more natural approach to parenting, ask yourself:
- Are you concerned about the chemicals and additives in our food, products, and environment?
- Do you want to take a more active role in your childbirth experience?
- Is connecting deeply with your child a high priority?
- Are you interested in gentle discipline techniques?
- Do you enjoy making your own baby food, personal care products, etc.?
- Are you craving a closer community and more family time?
If you answered yes, crunchy parenting may be a good fit for your values and priorities. At the same time, don’t feel you have to commit to every aspect of the crunchy lifestyle. Find what resonates with you personally and what works for your family.
Getting Started with Crunchy Parenting
Here are some easy first steps if you want to dip your toes into the crunchy parenting pool:
- Read up on natural birth, breastfeeding, and attachment parenting
- Make small dietary changes like buying organic produce or cutting out artificial dyes
- Use non-toxic cleaners and body care products
- Join local parent groups to make crunchy mom friends
- Consider cloth diapering or babywearing
- Spend time connecting with your baby through activities like baby massage
The Rewards of Crunchy Parenting
While crunchy parenting requires more effort in some respects, devotees cite many rewards including:
- The deep primal bond formed through natural childbirth and practices like breastfeeding and co-sleeping
- Seeing their children grow and thrive powered by wholesome foods and close attachment
- Peace of mind knowing babies are protected from toxins and harsh interventions
- Pride in treading lightly on the earth
- Being part of a community and connecting with like-minded parents
- Learning new DIY skills
- Instilling the values of environmentalism and social justice in their kids
Conclusion
Ultimately, crunchy parenting is centered around keeping things simple, natural, and connected. While crunchy moms may seem extreme in some ways, most parents agree that having a deeper bond with your child, living an eco-conscious lifestyle, and fostering a supportive community are worthy goals. Elements of crunchy parenting can enrich any family’s life and relationship with their child if implemented mindfully. In a world of increasing disconnect and environmental damage, perhaps we could all use a little crunchy wisdom.