Have You Heard of Being A Crunchy/Alternative parent?
By Jennifer
@MissDemeanor (39)
Montpelier, Ohio
May 26, 2016 2:03pm CST
Recently, I heard a term referring to parenting style as "crunchy". I wasn't sure what this was, so I looked further into it. Apparently, it is a term used to described what is thought of as an alternative lifestyle.
The thought process is that anyone who chooses things like cloth diapers, exclusive breastfeeding, choosing not to vaccinate or waiting until after the age of two, choosing not to circumcise, cosleeping with your infant/toddler/child, baby wearing, maintaining an organic diet....and more.
I guess I personally feel that whatever someone does is their business unless it somehow negatively impacts my life. I am open to others thoughts on this. I personally would live off grid if we could afford to get everything set up and move. I enjoy growing my own vegetables, sewing, crafting, animals, and so on. I am not sure if that qualifies me as crunchy. Ha!
Anyway, since I am 20 weeks pregnant (this will be my 3rd child-I have an 18 year old and 16 year old), I also plan to wear my baby because I am a busy Mom around the house and I feel baby wearing strengthen the bond between a Mother and her child. I also have had 14 miscarriages and it is going to take a lot to get this baby out of my arms. I would like to add, I plan to breastfeed as long as I can. I plan to make my own baby food. I guess I am unsure how many people think this is so "alternative".
What are your thoughts?
5 people like this
3 responses
@marguicha (222364)
• Chile
26 May 16
I wonder why people choose to label other people
. I would say I have been an alternative mother.
I used cloth diapers (I had no choice though) and cooked my baby´s food (I thought I did it better than Nestle). I did not brestfed them much as I had no milk, but I could write a recipe book about homemade baby food.
. I would say I have been an alternative mother.
I used cloth diapers (I had no choice though) and cooked my baby´s food (I thought I did it better than Nestle). I did not brestfed them much as I had no milk, but I could write a recipe book about homemade baby food.1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160488)
• United States
26 May 16
I did not wear my babies, with my son it would have broken my back. He was 23 pounds by three months. I did hold him almost all of the time. I took him swimming. I started my daughter swimming at three months. I make a lot of my stuff, and cook from scratch. Bought little or no baby food. I have heard the term as a "crunch granola" family or mother It is okay.My kids got their vaccinations, went to public school. My daughter's kids get some of their vaccinations, but she homeschools. It is all good. Today's schools would possibly drive me to homeschool as well.
1 person likes this
@MissDemeanor (39)
• Montpelier, Ohio
26 May 16
Homeschooling is a definite for us. My daughter graduated this year from public school and my son has two more years. Once he is done we won't be returning to public schools. I cook from scratch as well and I feel much more "equipped" for this baby to do more natural things. I don't know how long I could wear a 23 pound baby either! Wow! My first two were big babies as well.
@CS09nxkb16 (24)
•
23 Jun 16
I can't say that I have ever come across this term. Im sure I would have been hit with it by now as your description of what it is completely describes how I am. My 1st child was definitely my experiment child so to speak. Now with my second one I am so set in my ways and I refuse to do anything but the best with this one. I learned from all my mistakes with my first one. But I wouldn't necessarily call it alternative parenting. I would say I tried it everyone else's way the 1st time but I've grown and learned and matured and realized what was best for my kids and adjusted accordingly
I almost wonder who came up with the term. Was it someone coming up with a round about way to slander these type of parents or was it someone that thought they were being creative with their terms? Food for thought. Either way I guess it depends on your perspective.
