Being a Crunchy Mom is Not A Competition

...Although I have noticed a lot of women treat it that way. For those who don't know the term "crunchy" ain't just a word to describe granola, but the the kinda people who eat it too. I'm talking about, as Stephen puts it, "those filthy hippies" ---a term he lovingly uses to describe me on a daily business. Thanks hun!

 I am reluctant to claim the label of being a hippie though. I feel uncomfortable, don't like the pressure of following the unwritten rules of "natural parenting".

Competition isn't limited to just eco-minded mothers, of course, but it definitely is something that has caught my attention. I've seen grown women sit around and try to one-up each other. Swapping epidural-free bathtub birth stories, trying to prove themselves. Prove what I'm not exactly sure. That they are worthy of being called "crunchy"?  There is even a quiz floating around the net which some moms use to rank themselves. It isn't meant to be taken too serious but I know some women do.

Honestly, I think some women go overboard and I know I'm bound to offend someone by saying that. But at the end of the day, who gives a care if you only serve your family organic food? If you cloth diaper? If you let your child play with "green toys" exclusively? Or how about breastfed your child till they were three?

Being environmentally conscious is great, I think everyone should reflect on their impact on the world. But walking around shaming other mothers who vaccinate their kids or turning one's nose up at anything that doesn't say green on the label...well.. That kind of smug superiority is just downright annoying. Do right by your family and community by being crunchy is awesome but do it for the right reasons and not for bragging points.