Hi there!

Happy November!! The latest episode of Secret Mom Hacks is out and I'm excited to share it with you, but first I have some personal news to share—I’m officially a marathoner!

Yes, you read that right. Running my first marathon this past Sunday was an experience I'll never forget. I’ve been dreaming of this moment, training for over a year, and despite an injury setback last year, I trained hard, powered through, and crossed that finish line. (If you missed last week’s episode where I shared my love for running, I highly recommend you give it a listen!)

Now, onto today’s episode with my friend and former co-worker Haley Montgomery. Whether you’re in the music industry or a busy mom trying to juggle a career and family life, this conversation is packed with tips, support, and real talk. [Tune-in HERE!]

Reconnecting with Haley

Haley and I used to work together in the music industry, and now we both have adorable little girls. While my career path has shifted, Haley stayed in the fast-paced world of music, navigating its demands as a parent. Inspired by her own experiences and those of colleagues, she co-founded FAM (Family Alliance in Music), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting parents in the music business.

What’s FAM All About?

The music industry is well-known for a demanding environment—crazy hours, constant travel, and seemingly nonstop nights out. It's not exactly conducive to family life, but Haley and the team at FAM are out to change that narrative.

Finding Balance

One of the things I love about FAM is how they're helping parents find that elusive balance between career and family. From advocating for better maternity and paternity leave policies to providing a community where parents can share their stories, FAM is making a real difference.

Haley shared a powerful story about her mom, a neonatal nurse who juggled a high-pressure career while being a stellar parent. This stark contrast to her colleagues in the music industry, who silently struggled, inspired Haley to create resources that could bring tangible change.

Support Across the Board

FAM isn't just for Nashville or even limited to the U.S. This community is global! Their public launch on Instagram saw nearly 100 parents from all over the world sharing their stories. That just goes to show, the need for support and community is universal.

Success Stories and Community

Hearing some of the success stories Haley shared was so uplifting. It’s clear that FAM is making an impact.

One particularly touching success story involved a COO who couldn't take true maternity leave due to her job's demands. She set a clear boundary of one hour once a week for work emails, showing that even in high-pressure roles, boundaries can help. FAM is all about sharing these kinds of blueprints so everyone can find what works for them.

Oh, and for those of us in the “sandwich generation” (caring for both kids and elderly parents), FAM's got your back too. It’s so comforting to know you’re not alone when you’ve got a toddler on one hip and groceries for mom in the other hand.

Connect with Haley Montgomery

Stay Tuned for More!

This is just the beginning of our conversation. Make sure you mark your calendar for next week’s episode, when Haley re-joins me to talk about the importance of carbon monoxide detectors in daycares. If your little one is in daycare, this is crucial information you won’t want to miss.

Until then, Mama, take a breather, lace up those (literal or metaphorical) running shoes, and know you’ve got a community here cheering for you!

-Krista-

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