What is Crunchy Parenting?

Crunchy parenting is the natural whole approach to bringing up children. It is oriented to working with organic products, avoiding chemicals and making responsible decisions on a daily basis. Most parents think that the style would make them get closer to their children. The word crunchy originated in the concept of what was referred to as crunchy granola and this implies individuals who enjoy natural living.

Any time you have heard mothers breastfeeding in baby slings, and preparing their own baby food, or using cloth diapers, you are most likely calling on a crunchy parent. 

 

Understanding the Crunchy Parenting Lifestyle

Crunchy parenting is the process of parenting the children naturally. Several crunchy mums choose to have babies at home with the midwives as it becomes safe and relaxed. Long breastfeeding is also one of the things they enjoy as they want the babies to feel close as well as be strong. The crunchy parents eat clean foods and use safe soaps to maintain their family health. They plant vegetables and read the labels to know what is contained in the objects that they purchase. Crunchy parenting is also about love, being caring and keeping close to nature.

Why Do Parents Choose Crunchy Parenting?

So why do so many parents choose crunchy parenting? Health is one of the reasons. It is their belief that organic food and no toxins will make their children become strong.

The other reason is bonding. Such things as bed-sharing, carrying babies, and breast feeding make babies feel secure. This may result in less crying and better trust.Crunchy parenting is also an attractive behavior as it seems to be easy and natural to the parents. 

And finally, other parents consider that contemporary parenting is in a hurry. They are interested in taking their time. Crunchy parenting also enables them to accept one thing at a time.

The Core Values of Crunchy Parenting

Crunchy parenting is not just a set of norms. It is a set of values. Parents acting in this direction  tend to share one and the same thought:

• Honour of the natural world
• Putting the faith into body wisdom
• Good family relationships
• Tolerance to all living beings

Let’s look closer at some of these core ideas.

Natural Birth Choices

One of the values that most crunchy parents have is natural birth. They view birth as an ordinary process and not medical. They are put in readiness with a Baby-nurse or helper. Others prefer to give birth at home, since it is safe and a process they can control.

During natural birth, there tends to be less amount of drugs andless intervention. This can assist the babies enter life in a soft manner. When birth happens without stress, the fast recovery of mums is also possible.Not all parents give birth at home to fit on Crunchy parenting. 

Breastfeeding and Extended Nursing

Breastfeeding is a huge element of crunchy parenting. A good number of mothers breastfeed up to two, three or even four years, and it is termed as extended breastfeeding. Parents who take this route are sure that breast milk does contain valuable nutrients and comfort even long after the infant stage, therefore, nursing is not all about food. It contributes to the development of unique intimacy, makes babies feel safe and secure, and makes them feel bold enough to explore the world.It is a bond enhancing as well as a body nurturing experience to them.

Co-Sleeping and Bed Sharing

There is one more large aspect of crunchy parenting: it is co-sleeping: having your baby next to you and during nights, perhaps even in the same bed or next to it. Such parents enjoy this as there will be no late-night feeding the mothers will not have to travel long to breastfeed. Babies are safer and quite comfortable when they sleep close to parents and this aids in the general sleeping process. Crunchy parents would like to enjoy this moment as much as possible when the infant is still young.

 

Crunchy Parenting and Natural Living

The crunchy parenting and natural living are compatible. Majority of the crunchy parents will aim at ensuring that there is no toxicity in their home. They prefer using non-disposable items. They also choose simplified, archaic approaches to doing things. As an example, they make pulps of fruits and vegetables at home without purchasing jars of baby food. They prefer wooden blocks to plastic toys.

It may seem slower but this is the lifestyle. The crunchy parents love to see their children grow up respecting the earth.

Cloth Diapering Over Disposables

Cloth diapering is the favorite of so-called crunchy parents. There are a lot of opinions that cloth diapers are more helpful to society and the planet as well as to the baby.Cloth diapers are effective in that they are washable. The disposable diapers have to be discarded and lie in landfill over hundreds of years..

Cloth diapering is challenging to some parents to start with, but during its initial stages, parents who are labeled as being crunchy suggest that one soon feels that it is just the right thing to do. In their bags they store a wet bag where they put the used diapers and wash it after a few days.

Education Choices for Crunchy Parents

Crunchy parenting usually influences the attitude of family to learning. Education is not a matter of books and exams but it is a matter of making kids curious, learn and develop. Most crunchy parents adopt avenues that allow children to use their pace to study.

Homeschooling and Unschooling

Most families on natural or green lifestyles prefer homeschooling. These books are selected and chosen by parents and they are based on the values of parents which could be nature, gardening, or healthy living. The kid may learn in the kitchen, out in the garden or during a nature walk.

Other parents even go further and attempt at unschooling. In this case, children are the ones who make decisions about what they want to learn more about and act according to their interests. It is not rigid with time tables and educational activities take place in the form of daily life and play.

Outdoor Learning and Play-Based Education

In the view of Crunchy parents, children ought to spend much time outdoors. They prefer outdoor schools, wilderness classes and nature learning. Children use mud, sticks and puddles and explore through climbing trees and watching bugs. Parents also adore the fact that playing outdoors makes children physically and mentally healthy and does not require excessive spending on them. Crunchy families may introduce nature to your everyday life even when they cannot teach you on a daily basis, such as walking to school or raising a garden on a balcony.

Myths and Misconceptions About Crunchy Parenting

Crunchy parenting sounds unusual to some people. It’s easy for outsiders to get the wrong idea. Let’s clear up some myths.

Is Crunchy Parenting Only for Certain People?

The crunchy parenting does not belong to those families that are rich or those people who own a farm. The parents that are crunchy belong to all categories of background and they adopt this style out of health, because of the planet or because it makes them closer to their children. It does not need to be high-priced- cloth diapers could be cheaper than disposable ones and baby food can be home made to lower the costs. It seems that you are free to start anywhere like even with organic apples.

Does Crunchy Parenting Mean Being Perfect?

Parents with crunches experience pressure as people believe that crappy parents need to be perfect all the time (they should eat only organic food and never use plastic). However, crunchiness does not imply that one does everything right at all times. Parents who are crunchy sometimes will make use of expedient items such as disposable diapers or even the microwave and there is nothing wrong with that. Crunchy living is not supposed to cause stress to a family, and you need to be easy on yourself.

Benefits of Crunchy Parenting

There is a lot of good in Crunchy parenting. Parents get closer to their children. The children are healthier when they grow up. Making things saves the families money.

Healthier Children and Families

In crunchy households, there is wholesome homemade food and no neatness on processed junk. They consume natural products, are in the open air and are more conscious of being healthy and happy. The lifestyle minimizes on wastes and toxins, which is advantageous to both the family and planet.

Strong Parent-Child Bonds

Crunchy parents equally bond with their children due to cuddling, conversations, and play. Such a strong attachment creates trust and confidence, which enables children to become inquisitive explorers. In their case, raising children is a fun journey which binds the family.

FAQs About Crunchy Parenting

 

1. What is crunchy parenting in simple words?

Crunchy parenting is just a means of making parents raise children with health and nature in mind. It usually entails items such as cloth diapers and organic food as well as a lot of outdoor time.

2. Do you have to be rich to be a crunchy parent?

No, crunchy parenting is not a luxury of the wealthy families. It is true that many crunchy options are a cost-saving measure, to boot: popular crunchy options include making your own baby food or using cloth diapers.

3. Is crunchy parenting only for moms?

Not at all. Crunchy parents are dads, grandparents and any individuals taking care of children. It is not only mothers, it is all about family preferences and principles.

4. Can I be partly crunchy, or do I have to do everything?

It is possible to be crunchy to some extent. Every little decision counts. Be it buying the odd organic fruit or a baby sling. It is not necessary that you need to do all these crunchy things to be a good parent.

5. Why do some people not understand crunchy parenting?

Others consider crunchy parenting weird since it is not according to their liking. Crunchy parents listen to their hearts and choose the things that are right for their family, though other human beings may not always comprehend the decision.