Why You'll Love Kathleen Hurley

This mom of two left Wall Street and launched her popular blog, Let's Be Mom Friends, to educate herself on all things baby and to connect with other moms.

By Kathleen Hurley April 22, 2020

Kathleen Hurley, an ex-Wall Streeter, launched her popular blog, Let's Be Mom Friends, when she had her first child. Writing about baby resources, she says, was a way to educate herself about what was available to her, but also helped her connect with other moms. These days, her blog is part-mama, part-style, and offers baby registry guides, product reviews, family travel tips, and style finds—as well as glimpses into her everyday life. She and her husband had been living in Manhattan for the last 10 years, but recently moved with their two young daughters from the Upper West Side to Long Island. She loves being close to her happy place out in Montauk.

Why follow Let’s Be Mom Friends? Hurley saw a need for moms to talk to each other as friends—sharing advice, resources and stories about everything that affects their lives—and that’s exactly what her blog provides.

Instagram | @letsbemomfriends

Blog | letsbemomfriends.com

Pinterest | Let's Be Mom Friends

How did you get involved in blogging about parenting?

My husband and I found ourselves early to the parenting game (amongst our group of friends) and I was looking for an outlet and a way to connect with other mamas. I also had tons of questions and felt very overwhelmed in the beginning, whether it was not knowing what devices or products I actually needed versus what was just unnecessary. I ended up creating my own baby registry cheat-sheet in an effort to streamline the registry process for expecting mamas.

What is the best thing about raising kids in Long Island?

We moved here about six months ago and I can tell you the sense of community is really the best thing about raising our kids here. We loved living in Manhattan but seeing how happy my 3-year-old is here in her new school and home, I wouldn't trade it for the world. I also love living close to the water. We are definitely a beach family.

What is your favorite thing to do/place to visit with your kids?

We joined the Sands Point Preserve, which is a great place for the whole family. The grounds are expansive and there’s plenty of space for the kids to run around, play at the park, go for hikes, walk your dog, etc.

What is the best parenting advice you ever received?

This is not necessarily advice, but the most important parenting lesson I learned was through the example my parents set. They never failed to show and express their unconditional love for myself and my brothers every single day. Growing up, I always felt that I could achieve anything that I wanted, or be anything I wanted, which was because of the encouragement and support I felt at home. No parent is perfect and there are tons of mistakes that we make, but at the end of the day I believe that the best thing you can give your child is unconditional love and encouragement and to let them be themselves.

What do you think is a parent’s hardest job?

Personally, I think it's finding the balance. I'm kind of an all-or-nothing personality—so after leaving my full-time job in finance, I went into full-time mom mode. In doing so, I neglected the simple personal aspects of my life prior to kids—going to the gym, showering and putting on "real clothes,” finding me time—but at the end of the day I knew that wasn't sustainable. With the support of my husband, I feel like I've hit my stride and have been able to find a work/mom/life balance that works for me. I have my blog and I'm also a real estate agent at Douglas Elliman in Manhasset and Port Washington. With these pursuits I'm able to keep both my creative and entrepreneurial juices flowing, but at the same time strike a balance that allows me to be a part of Rosie and Margaret's every day!