How I’ve Disappointed My Super Crunchy Parents

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My parents were first-time parents in the ’70s, and while they weren’t full-on hippies, they embraced a lot of that lifestyle when it came to health and wellness. My dad, a chiropractor, has been all about holistic living long before it was cool. Now that my little one has just turned 2, I feel like I’m getting the hang of parenting, yet I fall short of what my parents envisioned.

Is it easier to be health-conscious today with the explosion of health food stores (shoutout to Whole Foods) or was it simpler back in the ’70s and ’80s when life moved at a slower pace without constant distractions (looking at you, social media)? What I do know is that my parents were basically holistic rock stars, and I, in comparison, feel like a total slacker. Maybe it’s just human nature to rebel against our parents’ beliefs to some extent, and maybe that’s perfectly fine.

For instance:

1. Gardening Glory vs. My Plant Fails:
   My parents cultivated a massive garden overflowing with tomatoes, cucumbers, and all sorts of veggies. Dad had a tractor for watering and harvesting, while Mom spent hours canning their produce. I once tried to grow parsley in a pot, and it died faster than I could blink. Instead of gardening, I now grab most of our fruits and veggies from the supermarket, which sometimes doesn’t even have organic options. Sorry, Mom and Dad.
2. Vaccination Views:
   My parents didn’t believe in vaccinations, which was quite the challenge navigating through school without them. My husband and I wrestled with this decision but ultimately chose to vaccinate our son for medical and social reasons. We started with a slower schedule but quickly realized that meant more doctor visits—and more exposure to germs! So now we’re following the standard vaccine schedule like most other families. Sorry, Mom and Dad.
3. Sugar Smuggler:
   My parents made sugar feel like a forbidden fruit. We had dry shredded wheat for breakfast, with the occasional honey drizzle and fruit for dessert. When I hit college, though? Let’s just say I went a little wild with the junk food (Oreo ice cream for dinner, anyone?). I’m trying to strike a balance for my child; he gets Cheerios, cupcakes at parties, and yes, even the occasional juice box without me freaking out. Sorry, Mom and Dad.
4. Dairy Dilemma:
   My parents were not fans of cow’s milk, believing it wasn’t meant for humans. Instead, they offered us rice milk, which I later realized was loaded with sugar. After some research about other milk alternatives, we’ve now switched to cow’s milk for my son—even if it makes me a little uneasy. Sorry, Mom and Dad.

Don’t get me wrong—I appreciate the healthy foundation my parents gave me. They taught me to be mindful of what I eat and what I feed my child. But I also know that many kids grow up without ever tasting organic food and turn out just fine. Plus, they might avoid that “organic guilt” that can weigh us down.

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Summary:

Navigating parenting while feeling the pressure of living up to my crunchy parents’ ideals has been a journey. From gardening fails to vaccination decisions and sugar indulgence, I’ve strayed from their holistic lifestyle. Despite this, I recognize the importance of balance and appreciate the healthy foundation they provided.