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Saying No Like a Lazy Mom: Because Your Time Is Too Valuable for BS
- Shelleka Powell-Tomlinson
- May 30
- 2 min read
If you're a mom, you've probably been taught — directly or indirectly — that your time belongs to everyone but you.
Need a last-minute favour?
“Sure, I’ve got it.”
Extra cupcakes for the class tomorrow?
“No problem.”
That family event you really don’t want to go to but somehow always end up at?
“Of course we’ll be there.”
We say yes so reflexively that we don’t even pause to ask:
Do I want to? Can I afford the time? Is this mine to carry?
Here’s the truth:
Every “yes” you give out of guilt is a “no” to your peace.
Every commitment you make under pressure is a withdrawal from your energy.
Every time you say yes when your spirit is screaming no, that’s not kindness. That’s self-abandonment.
And Lazy Moms? We don’t have time for that anymore.
What Saying No Looks Like in Lazy Mom Life
It looks like:
Skipping events that drain you
Letting go of the “perfect mom” role that says yes to every school thing
Opting out of playdates, group chats, or extra noise that adds nothing to your life
Telling your child no without negotiating yourself into guilt
Saying “I can’t” — and not explaining why
Lazy Moms don’t say no because we don’t care. We say no because we care deeply about what actually matters.
We protect our time because we’ve finally realized it’s not just time —It’s our energy. Our sanity. Our capacity to show up where we’re needed most.
Why Is It So Hard?
Because we were raised to believe that being “good” means being agreeable.
That love means availability. That motherhood means saying yes — always, immediately, and with a smile.
But people-pleasing is not a parenting strategy. And self-sacrifice is not the only way to show love.
Saying no doesn’t make you selfish. It makes you clear. And clarity is a gift — for you and for everyone around you.
What You Make Space For When You Say No
More room for what fills you
More attention for what matters
More energy for your actual priorities
And more self-trust — the kind that helps you mother from a grounded place, not a guilt-ridden one
Want More?
This post is part of a bigger shift happening in motherhood — one where we stop performing and start protecting our peace.
That’s the heart of The Lazy Mom’s Guide to Motherhood, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Join the early access waitlist here to get a special bonus + first dibs when it drops.
You don’t owe anyone your exhaustion. You don’t have to explain every “no.” You are allowed to protect your peace — unapologetically.
Say it with me: If it’s not aligned, I’m not available.
Welcome to the Lazy Mom way.
You’re right on time.
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