Crunchy, Silky, or Scrunchy? Which Mom Style are you?

Hey girl! —grab a cup of something strong (or weak, no judgment) because today we’re talking about the parenting-labels: Almond Moms, Crunchy Moms, Silky Moms, and Scrunchy Moms. I’ve done a little research with what psychologists and parenting experts are saying—so let’s see what each of these styles is, what the pluses and pitfalls are, and what we can borrow from each. Maybe you’ll see bits of you in all of them (I know I did). Are you the mom with organic kale chips in her bag, or the one bribing with gummy bears in Target ? Stick with me till the end, and take my quiz to find out what Mom-Style you are.

Crunchy Moms

What it means
“Crunchy mom” is what people call moms who lean natural, holistic, “earthy,” and skeptical of the mainstream when possible. Think: cloth diapers, breastfeeding, home remedies, limiting processed foods, maybe co-sleeping, babywearing, etc. The Bump+4The Bump+4FirstCry Parenting+4

What psychologists / experts note

• Benefits: Often a tight connection with nature; greater awareness and often healthier environmental / nutritional practices; strong attachment-based parenting (bonding, responsiveness) which studies show helps children’s emotional / social development. The Bump+2FirstCry Parenting+2

• Downsides: It can be exhausting / time-consuming / expensive. Risk of burnout. If expectations are high, moms can feel guilty if they can’t sustain all the crunchy ideals. Also, being too rigid sometimes means missing benefits of modern medicine or convenience. The Bump+2Nurture&+2

What we can take

• The mindfulness that crunchy moms bring: thinking about our environmental impact, choosing more natural or less processed when feasible. These habits can be super beneficial (for health, for planet).

• Responsiveness: paying attention to what feels “right” for your child—listening, observing, following cues rather than always doing what “everyone else” says.

• Also: let self-compassion in. Recognize when you can do crunchy-type stuff and when you need shortcuts.

Silky Moms

What it means
Silky moms are sort of the “modern convenience / mainstream” pole of things. They trust pediatricians, use formula or mixed feeding, use screens or conveniences, choose store-bought items, schedules, technology. They aren’t shamed for letting kids have screen time or using things that make life easier. The Bump+3The Bump+3Parents+3

What psychologists say

• Pros: Less burnout, because you’re not always fighting against convenience. More likely to feel supported by societal norms or medical institutions because you’re aligned with them; sometimes more consistency or predictability for families. The Bump+1

• Risks: Might rely too heavily on convenience, so neglect things that matter (nutrition, time together, conscious choices) if not careful. Possible guilt or second-guessing, or worry about the effects of screen time, processed foods, etc. Also potentially missing out on some of the bonding or connection that more “natural” moments might offer.

What we can take

• Permission to choose convenience without guilt. Sometimes we need ease.

• Using proven medical advice, trusting experts when they make sense; not reinventing the wheel.

• Recognizing that structure, predictability, efficiency have real benefits—for our mental health, for family peace.

Scrunchy Moms

What it means
“Scrunchy” is the fun hybrid: a mix of “Silky” + “Crunchy.” Someone who picks and chooses, depending on the moment, what feels right. One day you’re super natural and holistic, the next you hit Amazon for what’s easiest. It’s about balance instead of choosing a side. Yall know how us Libras feel about balance. We Have Kids+4The Bump+4Parents+4

Psychologist / expert takes

• Many see this as a healthier, more sustainable way. Because extremes wear moms (and families) out.

• Flexibility like this can reduce guilt, reduce “mom shame,” allow for adaptability as life changes (work, finances, health, etc.).

• But even scrunchy styles have pitfalls: decisions can feel inconsistent (kids / partner / society might get confused), and there may still be internal pressure to move more toward one category or be “better” in certain ways. Balance doesn’t mean no stress!

What we can take

• That balance is arguably the golden middle. Align your parenting with your values, but allow room for grace.

• Build your own parenting palette: borrow what you genuinely like from Silky, from Crunchy, even learn from Almond (positively) but drop the extremes.

• Give yourself permission: scratch the rigid rules. If you want organic veggies but also let’s get take-out sometimes, that’s fine. If you want screen time when you’re tired, that’s okay.

I tend to take the good bits from each type. Because sis, there is no one “right” style.

• From Crunchy Moms: connection, nature, holistic choices—but give yourself grace.

• From Silky Moms: convenience, predictability, trusting science—but check what feels right for you.

• And from Scrunchy Moms: that hybrid is maybe where many of us actually live, and that’s okay—cause it’s probably the most realistic, and sustainable path.

To sum it up, regardless of what type of mom you are, psychologists suggest the best parenting tends to incorporate:

1. Flexibility & Context Sensitivity
   ‒ What works with my son is usually different than what works with my teenage daughter. Being able to shift is vital.

2. Attunement & Responsiveness
   ‒ Pay attention to what your child needs emotionally, physically, and developmentally, rather than following a rigid external “ideal.”

3. Self-Compassion & Grace
   ‒ Because mom guilt is real. The more we accept that perfection is a myth, the more emotionally healthy we are—and that spills over to our kids.

4. Prioritizing Relationships
   ‒ The way we connect with our kids—warmth, trust, communication—matters more long term (psychologists always emphasize attachment, safe relationships, mental health) than whether the diaper was cloth or disposable, or whether dinner was home-cooked organic or convenient.

5. Intentional Choices Over Judgment
   ‒ Try to make choices grounded in your family’s needs / values, not what looks best on Instagram or what someone else is doing.

Okay girl, now it’s your turn—are you hoarding kombucha jars, stashing Goldfish in your purse, or somewhere in between? Take this quiz and discover your mom style!

Which Mom Style Are You? 

Grab a pen, or just keep count in your head. Pick the answer that feels most like you—no judgment!

1. Your kid wants a snack after school. You reach for:

A. Apple slices with homemade almond butter.

B. A bag of Goldfish crackers—done.

C. Sometimes the apple slices, sometimes the Goldfish.

2. Your child has a fever. What’s your first instinct?

A. Break out natural remedies—herbal teas, humidifier, oils.

B. Tylenol, hugs, Disney+, and a nap.

C. A little of both—remedies first, but medicine on deck.

3. School project due tomorrow. Your approach is:

A. Recycled cardboard, pressed flowers, Etsy vibes.

B. Target run, poster board, done in 45 minutes.

C. Whatever gets us to bed at a decent hour.

4. Dinner Time most often looks like:

A. Homemade everything—even on special occasions.

B. Door Dash. Or pizza delivery.

C. Depends on how I’m feeling—homemade sometimes, Chipotle other nights.

5. Parenting books or advice—how do you feel?

A. You lean toward holistic parenting philosophies.

B. You follow pediatrician’s recommendations.

C. You read a little of everything and keep what works.

6. Self-care for you is:

A. Yoga, grounding, journaling with herbal tea.

B. Netflix with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s.

C. A little yoga, a little Netflix.

7. Which phrase sounds most like you?

A. “Let thy food be thy medicine.”

B. “Work smarter, not harder.”

C. “Balance is everything.”

Results 

Mostly A’s → Crunchy Mom

You’re Mother Earth’s BFF. You love natural living, bonding, and slowing down. 

Mostly B’s → Silky Mom

You’re practical, efficient, and unapologetically modern. You embrace convenience and trust the experts. 

Mostly C’s → Scrunchy Mom

You’re the Goldilocks of parenting—sometimes natural, sometimes convenient. You take what works and ditch the rest.

Whatever type of mom you are, always lead with love, parent intentionally, and remember to fill your cup first! Love yall.