What Is a Gummy Bear Mom—And Are You One of Them?
This is yet another label trending on TikTok, but once you read about it, you may ask: Isn't it the same as being a regular mom?Fact checked by Sarah ScottFact checked by Sarah ScottOn any given grocery store run with some of my five kids, they’ll inevitably toss some items I don’t have on the list into the cart: Goldfish, Sour Patch Kids, Little Bites, Pringles, cookies, and donuts.Sometimes I’ll tell them to put a snack, the candy, or a baked good back, but a lot of times I don’t. I figure that as long as my kids eat well-balanced meals including fruits and veggies, it’s OK for them to also enjoy treats at home.
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It turns out there’s a name for a parent like me: I’m a gummy bear mom. Why? Because apparently if you allow your kids to eat junk food more than once a year on their birthdays, and rely on Costco runs to stock the pantry for your perpetually-famished brood, you’re not just a normal mom, but a gummy bear mom.Gummy Bear Mom vs. Almond Mom?According to a TikTok creator who shares content using the handle @drjustyna, one way to think of a gummy bear mom is that she’s the opposite of an almond mom. In her video explaining the label, the self-admitted gummy bear mom explains that when you don’t micromanage what your child eats, or you are open to trying a new trending snack, then you fit the bill. @drjustyna #fyp #viral #trending #gummybearmom #almondmom #womenoftiktok ♬ original sound - Justyna Interestingly, in the comments section, many gummy bear moms said they were raised by almond moms and chose to keep treats and snacks on hand in reaction to their overly-policed upbringing.No matter the psychology behind it, from where I sit, having a freezer packed with frozen breakfast options and chicken nuggets, a fridge that offers quick-grab options for my busy kiddos like cheese sticks, and yogurt tubes, and a pantry bulging with a variety of chips, granola bars, and cereals, is simply survival. Because my children aren’t going to be satisfied by a celery stick and a handful of raisins between a long school day and a night of swimming, tennis, or dance class.Meanwhile, another TikToker and proud gummy bear mom, @authenticallyamanda12, shared a sneak peek into her well-stocked kitchen in a short video, and assured users, “Don’t worry. There are plenty of accessible fruits and veggies, too.” @authenticallyamanda12 #greenscreen my kids love their snacks, but they are great fruit eaters too. They are fed and healthy. This trend is not to bash other kinds of moms. We just like to accomodate everyone who comes over and help them feel welcome. #autistictiktok #autistic #autisticson #autisticmom #adhd #adhdtiktok #adhdkids #audhd #audhdkids #neurodivergent #neurodivergentfamily #safefood #sensoryissues #foodsensoryissues #accomodations #everyoneiswelcome ♬ sonido original - BOJORQUEZ This is an important point about those of us who allow some processed foods into our homes. Just because Cheez-Its aren’t banned in my kitchen doesn’t mean I’m not also buying organic options and fresh produce for the family. Our Family Does What Works For UsIn our case, we rarely eat out, so my kids are getting a home-cooked meal probably seven days a week. If they indulge in a bowl of ice cream after a dinner of lasagna, broccoli, and garlic bread, I’m not going to feel guilty about it—even with the TikTok moms who admitted to being gummy bear moms receiving their fair share of judgment in the comments of their posts for daring to let a dye pass their little one’s lips.Listen, reading food labels is important, and I do. But equally important is enjoying life with my family, and not making my kids overly paranoid about what they eat. Rest assured, however, we talk about balance and moderation, as well as making good choices. A choice I’m making? To decide what works best in our house without consulting TikTok, and laughing off this label in the end.I’m sure I’m not alone in being sick of labels like almond and gummy bear mom, beige mom, white or black SUV mom, and more. Besides, why don’t dads ever get labeled? That’s a whole other topic!For now, I’m off to Walmart and Costco, which are my saving graces as I try to keep food in this house faster than my active, healthy, and happy kids can eat it. For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents.
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