Cameron Rogers on Motherhood, Mental Health, and Motivation
How do working parents decide what is worth their limited time? In the first episode of the ShrinkChicks storytelling series, author and Conversations with Cam host Cameron Rogers joins Em and Jen to talk about motherhood, boundaries, and saying no: how becoming a mom reshaped her career, why people-pleasing made every request feel like an obligation, and what changed once she got intentional.
Listen to the episode
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In this episode
- Being honest about the childcare and support behind "doing it all"
- How motherhood shifted both what she creates and how much time she gives to work
- "If it's not an immediate yes, it's a no" as a filter for opportunities
- Where the urge to say yes to everything comes from
- Saying no to requests without assuming people will think the worst of you
- Trusting your gut and holding hard and good seasons lightly
The honest answer to "how do you do it all?"
Cameron starts with something many people leave out: she does not do it alone. Her husband is a true partner, and a nanny makes much of her work possible. Em and Jen appreciate the honesty, because talking openly about support helps other parents stop comparing themselves to an impossible standard.
How motherhood changed her work
Cameron once insisted she would never become a "mommy blogger." After becoming a mom, though, her content shifted toward the realities of parenthood and mental health, including the idea that two conflicting emotions can exist at once. She says the work feels more meaningful now.
Her time also became more limited, so every opportunity went through a new filter: is this worth time away from my kids? Her rule now is simple. If it is not an immediate yes, it is a no.
Where people-pleasing comes from
Earlier in her career, Cameron said yes to nearly everything because she felt honored to be included. Em and Jen point out how common that is, especially for women: the feeling that you are lucky to be here, so you had better accept every offer or it might all go away.
The same pattern shows up with personal requests. Cameron gets many messages asking to pick her brain, and saying no brings guilt: What if this could have changed their path? What if they think I feel too good for them? The hosts offer a balanced view. People should keep asking for what they want, and they also need to understand that the person they ask cannot always say yes.
Intentionality, intuition, and seasons
Cameron says her second child pushed her to get even clearer about what she shares, how she spends her time, and what she cares about. She talks about trusting her gut, using vision boards to name her goals, and being willing to be misunderstood. When asked for the advice she would share, she returns to one idea: whether a season is hard or wonderful, it is not forever, so get through the lows and savor the highs.
Video chapters
- 3:00 The truth about "doing it all"
- 6:00 How becoming a mom changed her work
- 8:30 Saying no and people-pleasing
- 11:30 When everyone wants to pick your brain
- 13:30 Getting more intentional
- 15:30 Showing up when you are struggling
- 22:00 Being an employer and a parent
- 26:00 Vision boards and goals
- 30:00 Trusting yourself and being misunderstood
- 40:00 Rapid-fire questions
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop people-pleasing at work?
Notice where the urge to say yes comes from, such as fear of missing out or feeling lucky to be included. Then use a clear filter, like Cameron's "if it's not an immediate yes, it's a no," and practice tolerating the guilt that follows.
Is it normal to feel guilty saying no?
Yes, especially for people who learned that being agreeable kept them safe or valued. Guilt does not mean you did something wrong; it often means you are doing something new.
How do working parents set better boundaries?
Get clear on your values and the limits of your time, be honest about the support you need, and treat each new commitment as a trade against something else you care about.
Want support with this?
Em and Jen founded The Therapy Group, a relational therapy practice offering in-person therapy in Philadelphia and West Chester, PA, plus virtual sessions. Our team personally matches you with a therapist who fits what you are working on, for individuals, couples, and families.
Related episodes
- The Fawn Response: When People-Pleasing Is a Trauma Response
- Nicole Pellegrino on Becoming a Mom, Grieving a Mom, and Mental Health
ShrinkChicks is for education and entertainment and is not a substitute for therapy or medical advice. If you are in crisis in the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.