Meet a Mom: Serenity Sleeper’s Kelley Thompson | Nashville Moms Network

Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
I am originally from Wilson County, I was born and raised right here in Middle TN and I currently still live in Wilson County with my husband and three children. 

Child(ren) and Age(s)?
Easten- 8 years old, Ellis Jane- 4 years old, Emilia- 2 years old 

Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
My own mother, I was very fortunate to have her set an example of being a phenomenal mother. We may have not always seen eye to eye as I was growing up, but I quickly learned once I had my very first child why she worked so hard to give me and my brother the right direction and guidance. She has shown me how to make it through this season of life when it is not always easy or glamorous, but the best and most rewarding job I will ever do during my life. 

Favorite things to do with your kids in the Nashville area or local to your suburb?
We enjoy going to the park especially as the cooler fall weather approaches. My 8-year-old looks forward to the Adventure Science Center and each time we go he finds something new and interesting here. 

Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I own Serenity Sleepers, and I am a business owner. I started with a small dream of helping and educating families to healthier sleep and almost 5 years later my small dream has turned into a thriving reality. I never could have imagined how this business has been able to help so many families get their little ones sleeping and in return sleep for the entire family. 

How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Our community is filled with such a diverse network of birth professionals. I have been blessed to meet some of the most amazing people who I have worked with at events and made connections and collaborations to grow the birth world here in the middle TN area. I have actually made some very close friends during this adventure and I am so grateful for this journey. 

How have you managed work/mom balance thus far?
If I am being honest, I am still working on that ideal work/mom/life balance. Once I decided to set boundaries, I felt like my balance got much stronger. I must be consistent and clear on when I draw the line on work time vs. mommy/family time. I feel like this is a work in progress and constantly tweaking, but setting those boundaries has been a game changer for me and my family. 

Most common question moms ask you as a sleep specialist? Your response?
Will my baby or child ever sleep! I get this question almost daily and my response is always “of course, they will!” I want families to understand the importance of healthy and age appropriate sleep foundations and no matter what age the child is, the foundations can be implemented, and their child can and will have sleep. One of the biggest rewards for me is seeing a family jump 100% in on making changes and ready to get sleep on the right track, and seeing the transformations with their child’s sleep during our time. 

One piece of advice you would give all moms alike when it comes to sleep habits for littles?
Stay consistent and do not compare your child’s sleep to another child. Every child is uniquely made and there is an actual science behind our sleep, so making a plan and routine that works for your child and family is most important along with being consistent with the changes you are implementing.

What made you want to become a pediatric sleep specialist?
I am a former teacher and spent many years in the classroom.  One major theme I saw while teaching was the negative effects sleep deprivation had on students and how it impacted their well-being. I wanted to set in place healthy and age appropriate sleep for my own children, to try and avoid the pitfalls as they became older and school age. I always enjoyed researching and learning more about proper sleep and how we can support healthy sleep science. This led me to become certified and dedicate my time and business to helping families get the proper sleep for their children. 

What has been the most unexpected thing about being a mom?
Multi-tasking to the extreme! One of my strongest skills I always felt was multi tasking, but when you have three children, own your own business, the word multitasking is taken to a whole other level. I have to remind myself to prioritize and even mothers need to ask for help. 

What has been the most rewarding thing about being a mom?
Being able to teach and guide them through the different stages of life so far. It is rewarding to know that each of my children looks to me for help, support and guidance and then seeing them accomplish things on their own, it is fulfilling to know that I have had an impact in their lives. Also, a good reminder that they are always watching and I need to continue to be an example to them in a positive manner. 

One piece of wisdom you would love to impart to your children?
We live in an ever-changing world, but I always want them to remember to show love and kindness to everyone they meet. 

 

Join The Nashville Moms Community

Stay up-to-date with what is happening in-and-around Nashville TN with local events, community highlights, and exclusive deals.