Why More Mothers Are Embracing Crunchy Parenting?
Parenting is changing. More mothers are moving away from strict, conventional methods and towards gentle, holistic approaches that prioritise emotional well-being.
This shift, often called crunchy parenting, is about raising confident, emotionally secure children in a nurturing and responsive environment. It moves away from outdated, disproven methods like the cry-it-out approach and forcing self-soothing before a child is developmentally ready. Instead, it emphasises emotional connection, gentle guidance, and a child’s natural development.
But why is this approach gaining popularity, and what does research say about its long-term impact?
What is a Crunchy Mum?
Crunchy mums embrace natural, mindful parenting that often includes:
- Breastfeeding beyond infancy
- Babywearing rather than relying on prams
- Cloth nappies instead of disposables
- Holistic health choices where possible
- Organic, whole foods over processed options
- Montessori-style or child-led learning
- Gentle or conscious parenting instead of authoritarian methods
At its core, it’s about creating a nurturing, emotionally secure environment for children to thrive.
Why This Approach is Gaining Popularity
A growing number of parents are shifting to crunchy parenting because:
- Access to more research – Social media and parenting resources have made alternative approaches more accessible.
- A move away from authoritarian parenting – Many parents were raised with strict rules and now choose a more emotionally responsive approach. Research by Ainsworth et al. (1978) found that securely attached children develop stronger emotional regulation and social skills compared to those with insecure attachments.
- A focus on emotional and mental health – A longitudinal study by Sroufe et al. (2005) confirmed that children who experience nurturing, emotionally available parenting develop stronger self-esteem and resilience into adulthood.
Parents are also questioning overmedicalisation, consumer-driven parenting culture, and high-stress childhood environments, seeking a more balanced approach.
The Science Behind Secure Attachment
A key element of crunchy parenting is secure attachment, a concept extensively studied in developmental psychology.
Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby (1988), shows that children who experience consistent emotional support develop a sense of security, allowing them to:
- Regulate emotions effectively
- Develop resilience when facing challenges
- Form stronger, healthier relationships
In contrast, research by Cassidy & Shaver (2016) suggests that children with insecure attachment styles—developed through inconsistent or emotionally distant parenting—are more likely to struggle with anxiety, low self-esteem, and difficulty trusting others.
This is why crunchy mums often prioritise emotional availability, validation, and gentle discipline, helping children feel understood rather than controlled.
How to Build Secure Attachment: 3 Simple Ways
For mothers wanting to strengthen their bond with their children, here are three evidence-based ways to support secure attachment:
- Be emotionally available – Acknowledge feelings rather than dismissing them. This teaches children that emotions are safe and valid.
- Respond with consistency – Secure attachment develops when children trust that their needs will be met with warmth and predictability.
- Encourage independence while staying connected – Children who feel safe to explore the world develop confidence, knowing they have a reliable emotional base to return to.
These small, intentional actions help children feel secure in themselves and their relationships.
Are Crunchy Mums "Better" Mums?
The best mothers, regardless of their parenting style, create an environment where children feel safe, valued, and supported.
Crunchy mums don’t have all the answers, and no approach is perfect. What truly matters is responding with empathy and creating emotional safety for children to thrive.
Whether a mother chooses breastfeeding or formula, Montessori or traditional schooling, cloth nappies or disposables, the focus should always be on helping children develop self-worth and emotional resilience.
As more parents embrace holistic, attachment-based parenting, we are seeing a significant cultural shift.
Crunchy parenting isn’t just a trend. It reflects a growing awareness of how childhood experiences shape emotional well-being. Children thrive when they feel safe, nurtured, and understood.
At the heart of it all, whether crunchy, silky, or somewhere in between, the best parents show up with love, presence, and the willingness to grow alongside their children.
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References
Ainsworth, M. D. S., Blehar, M. C., Waters, E., & Wall, S. (1978). Patterns of Attachment: A Psychological Study of the Strange Situation. Lawrence Erlbaum.
Bowlby, J. (1988). A Secure Base: Parent-Child Attachment and Healthy Human Development. Basic Books.
Cassidy, J., & Shaver, P. R. (2016). Handbook of Attachment: Theory, Research, and Clinical Applications (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
Sroufe, L. A. (2005). Attachment and Development: A Prospective, Longitudinal Study from Birth to Adulthood. Attachment & Human Development, 7(4), 349-367.