What “Scrunchy Motherhood” Means (And Why I’m Not a Crunchy Mom)
You know those moms who seem like they have it all together—who eat, sleep, and breathe clean? The crunchy moms?
Yeah… I don’t quite have that going for me.
But I also don’t fit neatly at the other end of the spectrum either. I like to think I fall somewhere in the middle: scrunchy.
Why I Don’t Fit Into One Box
Since having children, I’ve been trying to do my best for them. But I’m also about to again be a working mama, and perfection just isn’t realistic (honestly, it’s not realistic for anyone).
What I am trying to do, little by little, is move toward a more intentional way of living—slowing down, being present, and really soaking in those cozy moments of motherhood.
Part of that, for me, also means paying a bit more attention to what we’re bringing into our home—choosing simpler ingredients when I can, using fewer harsh products, and trying to avoid some of the overly processed options.
But it’s never all or nothing.
What Scrunchy Looks Like in Real Life
If you’re looking for perfection, you won’t find it here.
I love making homemade bread, but I also rely on the convenience of a pear pouch and Cheerios. We try to limit screens, but we use them when sickness hits, during the occasional family movie night, or when hockey is on early enough to watch.
I’m not going to stress about the things that make life easier or give me a moment to breathe—and I don’t think you should either.
Some days are more “crunchy” than others. Some days we lean heavily on convenience. That’s the nature of being scrunchy.
Some mornings we’re outside, taking it slow, and afternoons are spent making something from scratch. Other days, we’re baking cookies from a bag or Ms. Rachel is helping keep a little one busy so I can get through the dishes.
Why Scrunchy Works for Me
Being a scrunchy maple mama is about balance.
It’s about realistic expectations for modern motherhood in Canada. It’s about doing what you can, letting go of what you can’t, and creating a life that feels good—not perfect.
And most of all, it’s about building a community of supportive mamas who are all just doing their best and cheering each other on.