Confessions of a Scrunchy Mom: Finding My Balance Between Crunchy & Silky

Hi, I’m Joscelyne — mom of one, lover of iced coffee, and a proud scrunchy mom.

If you’ve never heard the term “scrunchy mom,” let me introduce you to the middle ground of modern motherhood. Imagine a Venn diagram where the “crunchy moms” (think all-organic, cloth diapers, babywearing, no-screen time) and the “silky moms” (formula-feeding, disposable diapers, iPads on airplanes) overlap — that’s where scrunchy moms live. Right in the sweet, chaotic center.

And honestly? I love it here.

What Being a Scrunchy Mom Means to Me

When I had my baby, I felt this pressure to choose a side. Was I going to be the all-natural, essential-oil-carrying mama? Or the modern, tech-embracing mom who loves convenience?

Spoiler: I chose both. And neither. I chose what worked — for my baby, my mental health, and my reality.

Yes, I breastfed... but I also supplemented with formula when my supply ran out.

Yes, I made homemade baby food with organic carrots from the farmer’s market… and also bought pouches from Target when we were running late (again).

No, we didn’t cloth diaper. As much as I love the idea, I cant handle the extra work in my already busy life.

The Scrunchy Mom Motto: "Do What Works — And Don’t Apologize"

We scrunchy moms are flexible. We believe in science and home remedies. We’ll give our kids elderberry syrup and Tylenol. We love babywearing, but we also love strollers (especially with a cupholder for our coffee).

Most of all, we believe that moms don’t have to be all-or-nothing.

There’s no gold star for struggling to maintain a rigid parenting philosophy if it’s stressing you out. There’s power in being adaptable, in changing your mind, in trying something new — even if it means doing things differently than you imagined before kids.

Why I’m Sharing This

Because I spent too much time trying to fit into boxes that didn’t feel right.

Because I’ve seen moms tear themselves apart over cloth vs. disposable, screen time limits, organic snacks, sleep training, and every decision in between.

Because I want you to know that if you're somewhere in the middle — not crunchy, not silky, just figuring it out day by day — you're not alone. You're a scrunchy mom. And that's something to be proud of!

And honestly, the beauty of being a scrunchy mom is the freedom it brings. I don’t feel boxed in by anyone’s expectations — not society’s, not the internet’s, not even the ones I used to place on myself. I’ve learned that motherhood isn’t about following a script; it’s about showing up every day with love, patience (or at least the effort), and the willingness to pivot when something just isn’t working. Flexibility has become my superpower, and it’s made me a better mom — not a perfect one, but a present one.

Final Thoughts (and a Pep Talk)

You’re not failing because you didn’t make sourdough bread or because your toddler watched two hours of Cocomelon while you got work done. You’re not “less than” because you chose epidural over unmedicated birth or daycare over staying home.

You're doing what works — and that makes you an incredible mom.

So here’s to the scrunchy moms: the middle-ground mamas, the real-life jugglers, the women raising babies with love, grace, and the occasional drive-thru coffee.

You're my people. 💛