Query

[Crunchy]

What, pray tell, is a crunchy Mum? And what are the rest?

[Sara Noel]

Crunchy moms would be a parenting style practicing some or all of the following- attachment parenting, bfing, family bed, cloth diapering, organic foods, wooden or natural toys, baby slings, non circumcising, tv free, etc.

Basically, parenting that isn't mainstream.

[forestdale]

I've never heard this term but I did most of those things. I've got two sons - now 22 and 23 and I have the best relationship with them. One still lives at home with my husband and I and the other is in a flat but comes home frequently for meals and just to hang out. All through their teenage years they brought home their friends - both boys and girls, and often asked us what we did when we were their age. I think the key with your children is to always be truthful and to allow them to know you are not infallible and that everyone makes mistakes.
I've seen the results of a couple of my mothering techniques - one of my sons is a vegetarian (like me) but I did give him meat when he was little. He made this decision for himself when he was about 17 and we still all eat as much organic food as we can. Also when they were small I never let them watch night-time TV. They could watch one hour a day of something of their choice - with my approval, of course. They often chose cartoons or animal documentaries. When they were teenagers they watched what they wanted to, within reason, but now they rarely watch TV. They love going to the movies though and often go together as they are great friends. They prefer going to the beach, bush-walking and hanging out with their friends.
What is attachment parenting and bfing?

[Guest1]

so - am I chewy??

[dz_blonde_girl]

There are many sites on attachment parenting. It has to do with your child's emotional needs. Bfing is short for breastfeeding.

I guess I'm "a little nuts", kinda crunchy, as I do the bits and pieces that are right for me and my family.