From Crunchy to Silk: What Do All These Parenting Buzzwords Mean? by Mia Barnes

Parenting has always come with its own set of challenges, but in today’s world, it’s also full of buzzwords that might make you feel like you need a dictionary just to keep up. Whether you’ve heard these terms on social media, in parenting groups or at playdates, these labels can be helpful in understanding different approaches to raising kids.

1. French Parenting: The Relaxed Approach
This term has gained popularity recently and refers to a casual parenting style often associated with French culture. French parents tend to set clear boundaries but also allow their children some freedom to explore and make choices. They prioritize structured routine, respectful communication, meals together, a love for family and an appreciation of culture — but they’ll still allow their child to have a curse word of their own!

2. Free-Range Parenting: Letting Go and Letting Them Grow
Free-range parents give their children plenty of space to explore and learn on their own. They trust their kids to make decisions, take risks and navigate challenges. Free rangers believe encouraging independence helps their young ones develop resilience and self-reliance.

3. Crunchy Parenting: Embracing Natural Approaches
Crunchy parents are all about going back to nature for sustenance. They prioritize organic foods, cloth diapers, breastfeeding, natural remedies, may go meatless and will even carry their own containers to restaurants. It’s a lifestyle choice that prioritizes natural, eco-friendly living.

While this approach promotes health and sustainability, it’s best to balance it with practical considerations and modern conveniences for overall well-being.

4. Silky Parenting: Prioritizing Convenience
Silky parenting takes a more modern and mainstream approach. It embraces the convenience of disposable diapers and formula feeding and heavily relies on technology to assist with parenting tasks. Silky parents are always looking for ways to incorporate practicality and ease into their household.

5. Scrunchy Parenting: A Balanced Approach
Scrunchy parents blend elements of crunchy and silky techniques, picking and choosing what works best for them. They might breastfeed but use disposable diapers or give their child conventional medicine alongside natural remedies.

6. Positive Parenting: Encouragement Over Punishment
Positive parenting focuses on building self-esteem through positive reinforcement and redirection. It involves setting clear expectations, celebrating successes, and teaching children to learn from mistakes. This technique cultivates a positive parent-child relationship, which promotes healthy emotional development.

7. Tiger Mom — or Dad: Pushing for Excellence, Sometimes at a Cost
Tiger parenting is a strict, high-expectation approach that values discipline and hard work. Tiger parents drive their kids to succeed academically and in extracurricular activities, with a relentless focus on achievement.

However, although dedication is invaluable when it comes to proper parenting, this strict approach can create undue pressure and neglect a child's emotional well-being.

8. Helicopter Parenting: Hovering with Love — Perhaps a Little Too Much?
We've all seen the memes — the parent hovering over the playground, ready to catch their child at the slightest wobble. Helicopter parents are highly involved in their children’s lives, often hovering to ensure safety, success and well-being.

While helicopter parents' intentions are pure, this parenting style can limit independence and stifle a child's ability to learn from mistakes.

9. Plows and Mowers: The Path Clearers
Snowplow and lawnmower parents are pretty similar. These types proactively clear obstacles out of their child’s way, ensuring a smooth path to success. They often intervene — sometimes unnecessarily — in situations to remove challenges and protect their children from failure.

Like helicopter parenting, plows and mowers might hinder their children from developing problem-solving and independent decision-making skills.

10.Montessori Parenting: The New Trend in Town
Montessori parenting is inspired by the Montessori educational philosophy, which emphasizes independent hands-on learning, and respect for a child’s natural development. These parents create environments that encourage self-directed exploration and learning so their children can develop to their full potential at their own pace.

Beyond the Buzzwords
The truth is, there's no single "right" way to parent. The best approach is a blend that works for you, your family, and your child's unique personality. Don't feel pressured to fit into a specific parenting mold. Instead, draw inspiration from these ideas, research different styles and trust your gut.

Mia Barnes is a professional freelance writer specializing in postpartum wellness and practical family health advice. She has over 5 years of experience working as Body+Mind magazine's Editor-in-Chief. You can follow Mia and Body+Mind on X and Instagram @bodymindmag.