Crunchy? Granola? Green? Hippy?
Whatever you want to call it, there are as many definitions for “crunchy mom” as there are moms. Unfortunately, the thing about labels is that they are not always very useful, especially when everyone has a different idea about what those labels represent. So, instead of telling you that a crunchy mom is someone who does this or doesn’t do that, let’s define “crunchy mom” this way:
A “crunchy mom” is a woman on a quest for more information. A mom who is environmentally, health, and socially conscious. She cares enough about her family to question the status quo. She recognizes that there are a variety of approaches to individual problems and refuses to be locked into a single perspective. She seeks to learn more about why things happen and tries to discover the root cause of the problems she observes.
With this knowledge comes responsibility, to our families, other moms, and our communities. When we know better, we do better. She is not afraid to speak her mind when necessary to help or protect someone. A mom who fosters a strong, positive bond with their children through natural living.
Ideally, a “crunchy mom” sees herself on a journey to find out how best to care for her family in light of both tradition and research. She reaches forward to glean wisdom from women who have succeeded in the areas important to her. Then, she stretches her hands back to women just discovering their own crunchy roots, gently helping and encouraging them to change the way they think about life.
How Some Members Have Described “Crunchy Mom”
A crunchy mom is a mother that has chosen to question the conventional norm of what is considered safe and healthy. She makes informed choices by looking at a more natural way of life. She is accepting of unorthodox approaches, and has a willingness to learn about unfamiliar cultures. Through research, opting to take a different path and asking questions a crunchy mom aims to do what is best for herself and her family.
A crunchy mom is someone who doesn’t just accept the “status quo”. In all aspects, pertaining to herself and her family, she delves into the mountains of information desiring to look at all sides of all issue with the intent to provide for her family, to the best of her ability, the healthiest life she can. “Natural Living”, in it’s various forms, is often the conclusion and thus, the common thread that defines crunchy moms to the on looker. However, because each individual and each family dynamic is different, the desire to provide what’s best, and working tirelessly to that end, is at the heart of what defines a crunchy mom.
A crunchy mom is someone who not only cares deeply about giving her children the best life possible but about making sure she’s leaving the best world she possibly can for her grandchildren.
A crunchy mom is one who is willing to go against the grain and do what is best for her child. She willingly does her own research for pregnancy and birth, breastfeeding and baby wearing, vaccines and solid foods. Because of her research and her dedication to give her child the absolute best of everything, a crunchy mom may have a natural birth, practice extended breast feeding, baby wearing, baby led weaning and introducing solids at a later age. A crunchy mom will do her own extensive research regarding vaccines and decide which ones, if any,her child will receive. Crunchy moms understand attachment parenting, co sleeping, and that allowing their child to cry it out may do more harm than good. Crunchy moms have a strength all their own, as they often have to pick their battles with friends and family over these issues. Crunchy moms support all moms,even if their opinions differ. They believe in encouraging EVERY mom and they understand that each mom has different needs and even different beliefs. Best of all, they love to share all they have learned with everyone they meet!
Personally, being a crunchy mom is about being flexible. Every day we learn something new and that something new that may change the way we parent as crunchy moms. As many have said before, if we know better, we do better. I am so thankful that we have the right to change our minds and to choose what is best for our family, even if that changes as time goes by!