Danielle Monaro, Z100, Pregnant, Tells Butterfly All About Life As a Mom & Famous DJ

as told by Butterfly Co-Founder Bradi Nathan

While the country is in economic turmoil my children go about their day without a care in the world. It is my job to subtly remind them that we are waiting to buy “extras” until the next holiday or birthday arises. All the while I remain constant around my kids – happy and carefree. My husband and I are concerned and even alarmed but on our clock, not theirs.

Danielle Monaro, expecting and mother of one precious little boy named Spencer and on-air radio personality for Z100’s morning show, has managed to remain constant on two clocks. She successfully brightens the airways each morning for listeners in the greater New York area, as well as other syndicated markets, and continues to do so when she arrives home.

Mastering the balance between serving her family and Z100’s extensive audience, Danielle Monaro shares her journey with fellow moms in an exclusive interview with Butterfly:

BN: What were you doing before you had children versus what you are doing now?

DM: Work is basically the same schedule...I still get up at 4am....when Spencer was an infant that was my first feeding everyday so it actually worked out. I breastfed for a year so at around 9:20am I would excuse myself from the show and pump in another room!!! I get out by 1PM the latest everyday and I feel very lucky that I can spend most of the day with my son. I do try and squeeze in a nap when I can. Then I try and spend the rest of my day with Spencer. If I have an appearance or something station related I am lucky to have an understanding husband and he covers for me!

BN: How do you currently divide your time between family and work?

DM: I am very lucky that I have a great babysitter and husband. My husband Sheldon is a real estate agent so he has a busy, but flexible schedule. My babysitter usually has Spencer until about 3pm. After that, I spend the rest of the day with him. If I have something work related we find a way to work it out! I try and get my errands done before 3pm.... with my job I can leave early if I need to. Spencer has pre-school two days per week and my husband and I both try and pick him up together.

BN: Was it challenging to find the right childcare?

DM: That was one of my biggest fears! I was so worried that somebody else was not going to take care of my son the way mommy and Daddy do. Thankfully, we have been very lucky. In the past three years we have had a few sitters and au-pairs and they have all been amazing.

BN: What, if any, unexpected emotions did you wrestle with in returning to work?

DM: Oh my goodness - before I came back to work I would sit with Spencer in my arms and just promise him that it was going to be okay. I would cry and tell him how much Mommy loved him and that the sitter was going to take good care of him and that I would be home soon. I only took 6 weeks off from work. It was so tough leaving a six week old at home. The first few weeks were the hardest. My favorite part of the day right now is getting home and seeing how excited Spencer is to see Mommy.

BN: How has working changed you as a mother?

DM: I think working makes me appreciate my son even more....I miss him a lot during the day and can't wait to see him. It makes me appreciate the time I have with him.
How have you and your family benefited by you working? Having kids is expensive, especially the way things are today! Having two incomes is a HUGE help.

BN: What is the biggest challenge you face trying to achieve balance in your life?

DM: I get up at 4am everyday and go to bed around 10PM. It is usually a non-stop day (If I don't get in my nap). I am very tired and I try very hard to keep up my energy level all day for my family. I try to balance work, child, and husband while taking care of the home. It’s not an easy thing to do. I wouldn't give it up for anything though.

BN: Who or what has inspired you on your journey?

DM: My family! My husband has been the biggest! If it wasn't for all his support I don't know what I would do. Even with breastfeeding...It wasn't easy and it I didn't have his support I would have stopped before a year!

BN: How, if at all, has your mother and/or grandmother influenced your life?

DM: My Mom is a huge influence in my life. She is a strong woman that I look up to! I hope I can be half the Mom that she is. She is still there for me no matter what. We talk everyday and I don't know what I would do without her.

BN: Anything else you would like to share with our Butterfly moms?

“What you are doing is awesome,” Danielle.

If you want to hear more from Danielle Monaro, Radio Personality, go to www.z100.com