If you’ve been on TikTok at all, I’m sure you’ve seen the terms “crunchy mom” and “silky mom.” So, in honor of Mother’s Day, I thought it would be fun to share a few more mothering terms. Here are the 9 different types of moms (and how to tell which one you are!)
Types of Moms According to TikTok
Crunchy Mom
First up, we’ve got the OG TikTok mothering term, the Crunchy Mom. This is the granola girl approach to motherhood. If you’re not familiar with the granola girl aesthetic, think environmentalist hippie. This girl is super Eco-conscious, never wears makeup, is probably vegan, and can be described as “earthy.”
Crunchy moms are the same way. They’re the type of moms who use cloth diapers, breastfeed well past the one-year mark, have a home birth (or, at least, a natural, drug-free one). They buy plastic-free toys and all-organic food and avoid screen-time at all costs.
Silky Mom
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we’ve got the Silky Mom. This type of mom takes a more modern, practical approach to parenthood. She might breastfeed, but she might also bottle feed (or at least supplement with bottles). She probably got an epidural and definitely uses disposable diapers. (Who has time to clean cloth ones anyway!?)
Silky moms are fine with their kids eating sugar, using screens, and playing with store-bought toys. They believe in medicine and vaccinations and choose a crib over co-sleeping.
Scrunchy Mom
Scrunchy Moms are a mix between Silky and Crunchy. They might breastfeed and choose organic food, but they’re also opting for disposable diapers and using a stroller. Or, maybe they bottle feed, but they try and stay away from screen-time.
Traditional Mom Labels
Before these new-age terms, we had three traditional styles of parenthood. They still exist, too, and chances are, you’re more than familiar with them.
Helicopter Mom
The Helicopter Mom is such a common phrase it’s become almost a cliché at this point. This is the mom who is overly involved in her child’s life to the point where she’s constantly hovering around him. You know, kind of like a helicopter.
Snowplow Mom
A Snowplow Mom (also known as a “lawnmower mom”) is similar to the helicopter parent. She’s overly involved and overly focused on her child, but more importantly she’s overly protective of them. Just like a snowplow clears a path in the snow, this type of mom clears any obstacles out of her child’s way.
While it’s not a bad thing to want to keep your baby safe and protected, a snowplow mom doesn’t let her child experience any sort of discomfort or frustration, which can end up stunting their growth and independence.
Free-Range Mom
The Free-Range Mom is the anti-helicopter mom. This is the mom who gives her kid a whole lot of independence. She might let her kids walk to school on their own or play outside unsupervised. When it comes to rules and routines, like bedtimes, she has a more relaxed attitude.
This parenting style has had its fair share of controversy over the years. While proponents argue that it fosters creativity and builds confidence, others think it’s dangerous, especially in today’s age.
Types of Moms as Animals
Tiger Mom
Ah, the Tiger Mom. This is the type of mom who is super strict, especially when it comes to academics or extracurricular activities. It’s associated strongly with Asian parenting styles, but anyone can be a tiger mom. She wants her kids to be successful and she pushes them towards that goal.
Elephant Mom
The Elephant Mom, on the other hand, is highly nurturing and loving. She’s more focused on emotional connection and security than on education or success. While the Tiger Mom is strict and demanding, the Elephant mom is comforting and understanding.
Dolphin Mom
Imagine a spectrum. If tiger moms are on one side and elephant moms are on the other, Dolphin Moms are somewhere in the middle. This style describes a firm yet flexible method of parenting. These are the moms that might push for educational success but also offer a lot of love and support.
Now that you’ve had a chance to see the nine different moms of the world, which one do you think you relate most to?
3 Comments
I think and kinda hope im a dolphin mom.
I heard about crunchy and silky mom terms on a podcast I love. This was an interesting read. I am not currently a mum. But I am sure many parents will relate. Thank you for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed anyway! Thanks for reading