What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood | Parenting Tips From Funny Moms Saying "No" Is Also Work
Dec 3, 2025
Tired of the emotional burden of saying yes? Two hilarious moms dive into the complexities of refusing requests and the hidden costs of overcommitting. They explore societal pressures on women to always be available and discuss how saying no often requires its own type of emotional labor. With practical scripts and strategies, they guide listeners on valuing personal limits, navigating guilt, and even modeling healthy boundaries for kids. It's a refreshing take on reclaiming time and energy in the chaos of motherhood!
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Saying No Is Labor Too
- Saying no is also a form of labor because it carries social and psychological costs.
- Amy and Margaret argue that deciding whether to refuse requires mental work and anticipating consequences.
Systems Shift Work Onto Women
- Women are more likely to be asked to do caretaking and organizational tasks because systems rely on female labor.
- Margaret explains that structural expectations, not personal failure, drive many of these asks.
No Hurts Women More At Work
- Saying yes typically earns social rewards while saying no can harm reputations, especially for women.
- Amy cites a study showing the worst ratings went to a woman who refused a male supervisor's request.
