Mommy Guilt and UnCrunchy Things I Admit To

I think we’ve all been there...

The “I-wish-I-didn’t-know-better” blues.

Whether you consider yourself an alternative momma (aka crunchy) or not, there’s no doubt that it’s easy to beat yourself up about the things that we know we are cabable of but aren’t doing currently in our life.

A blog I follow recently addressed this titled, “I Want Out Of The Hippie Club”. She went on to describe her feelings as such:

“Sometimes I get so overwhelmed.  Sometimes I wish I didn't know better about stuff.”

“I used to like being a crunchy mom.  I still mostly like it.  But sometimes?  It suffocates me.  It's overwhelming.  It's just. so. heavy.  And I fail so. often.”


”So, sometimes, I want out of the hippie club.  Just for one night I'd like to not care about this heavy stuff.  Just for one night, I'd like to know what it's like to be clueless and careless.”

I think it’s improtant to realize we all feel overwhelmed at times and it’s ok. Give yourself enough room to breathe and realize what this feeling actually is – it’s growth..it’s personal development….it’s the realization that you are better then yesterday and will be better tomorrow then you are today.

It can be overwhelming, but think of the alternative- becoming stagnate or even regressing. What does that teach yourself, your children, your partner or your friends?

When you have a rough day or get the “I-wish-I-didn’t-know-better” blues remember no parent is doing this perfect in respect to the cookie cutter-imagine we should be…but we are living perfectly in respect of our individual intention and purpose…as long as we continue to put effort into growth and happiness – no matter if that means cloth diapers or disposibles; babywearing or using a stroller; buying organic, local strawberries or settling for the ones shipped up from Mexico.

The following list is dedicated to the High Heelwearing Hippie Mommy. Don’t forget we are all on this journey together! You and your blog inspire me and I know that inspiration shines through me to others – you are touching more people then you realize!


NonCrunchy Things I Totally Admit To:

I totally dye my hair.

I did not eat, bury or keep my placenta. I have no idea what happened to the thing.

I was not brave enough to even try EC.

I sometimes still use hot water in my washing machine, even when I buy the cold water detergent.

I paint my daughter’s nails with regular nail polish.

I serve hot dogs from time to time.

I wear make-up that isn’t even close to being made with natural ingredients.

I use non-stick pans even when I have regular pans available.

I sometimes use the lotion that has chemicals in it to turn your skin tan.

I use plug-in air fresheners in my home and do not own soy candles (which I’m pretty sure isn’t crunchy).



I know just because I admit to the above actions doesn’t mean I’m going to do these for the rest of my life nor that I won’t add to this list. For me, feeling guilty or regretful doesn’t serve any purpose in my life. Guilt and regret are only present when graditute is absent.

Advice for those “I-wish-I-didn’t-know-better” moments? Remember your blessings and remember we never stop growing, even if we are the parents now. It doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy, in fact, it’s not going to be – but believe me, it’s worth trying.

What noncrunchy things do you admit to??

“It's not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours.

I can't tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it myself”

– Joyce Maynard

Picture: The book ‘ Love Me Mom: A Guilt-Free Guide to Honoring Yourself and Empowering Your Kids’ explores the importance of falling in love with yourself and parenting from a perspective of self-care and personal responsibility.