Scrunchy Mom

I recently read a book published by a comedic influencer I follow, @reallyverycrunchy. I’d been following her Instagram account as she makes homemade elderberry syrup and starts a forest friends homeschool group, etc. Her videos poke fun at the often toxic nature of those trying to remove toxins from their lives. While I enjoy the content and learn a thing or two, I considered myself to be very far from the “crunchy” category. However, after reading the book, I think I may fall into the in-between… what they call “scrunchy.”

I shop in the produce section of the grocery store first before meandering to the center aisles where I read labels and ingredients before adding things to my cart, but I can’t resist the occasional box of Lucky Charms.

I opt for natural cleaners and remedies like Bon Ami, baking soda, or homeopathic immune boosters, but when the going gets real tough I bring out the bleach or cough syrup. Germs be gone!

My kids play in the rain, the mud, the sand, the river, and run barefoot when the weather permits. I believe in the power of playing in nature and its ability to fuel the imagination, motor skills, scientific experimentation, and more. But, we also enjoy movie nights and video games.

It turns out, bringing my own reusable bags to the store or maintaining a more minimalistic household can be considered “scrunchy” behavior. Sort of an ‘almost’ category; not quite a stereotype.

For the last few weeks, I’ve been practicing “sky before screens.” Instead of getting up and scrolling my phone for news of the day, I get outside for a run, walk, or drink my coffee in the backyard. On the weekends, the boys have time in their sand construction site or ride bikes, or play with kids in the neighborhood. We’ve never been much for Saturday morning cartoons.

Call it crunchy, call it scrunchy. I call it balanced. If it means eating my vegetables and Lucky Charms too, I call it perfect.