In the special segment "What the Hack?!," Shanna and Laura share some of their favorite parenting tips and tricks, including ideas for preventing toddlers from knocking over valuable items, being prepared when you're in the car with your kids, using honey bears in a fun way and more! Also, Laura reports on the unsettling reports she has been getting from her 6-year-old's school, Shanna discusses her attempt to power through her recovery from a recent illness, and both moms share their families' plans for Thanksgiving this year. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Laura and Shanna's plans for Thanksgiving this year with their families

-Parenting while sick and trying to push through the recovery phase

-Finding out your child is being bullied at school

-Tips, tricks and hacks for making your parenting life easier

-Disappointment about not being able to follow through on a commitment

-Fun how-to drawing books for kids

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

-Clear Museum Gel

-Tissue box hack

-Flashlight metaphor for pain management

-Using honey bears in the shower

-Rice-cooker pasta

-The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science by J. Kenji López-Alt 

-Choking-hazard check

-"Let's Draw Aliens and Spaceships with Crayola!" by Kathy Allen (Author) and Neil Clark (Illustrator)

-"Ed Emberley's How to Draw Monsters and More Scary Stuff" by Ed Emberley

-Cookbook stand (to use for holding kids' drawing books)

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.

Visit our website!

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the special segment “Mom Confessions,” Laura and Shanna share the embarrassing or hilarious parenting experiences they have had recently, including a destructive laundry mishap, an inappropriate AI encounter and more! Also, Shanna reports on how she is managing sciatic nerve pain, and Laura discusses her realization that she now has an "edgy" older kid. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-When your kids do things that seem mature beyond their years

-What to do if you have sciatic nerve pain

-Laundry mistakes

-Going to great lengths to avoid saying "no" to your kids

-Feeling embarrassed about the way you send your kid to school

-When AI steers you wrong

-Revamping your kid's bedroom without spending money

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

-Kids' Ghostface costume

-What is sciatica?

-Warmies Lavender Plush Bear

-"Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent" by Gia Gambaro Blount and Laura Birek

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.

Visit our website!

This episode is sponsored by Inito. If you're trying to conceive or just want to understand more about your body and your cycles, try Inito: https://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=BFP&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=BFP

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the special segment "They Said What?!" Shanna and Laura discuss the funny, outrageous, or offensive things they've heard people say recently, including some hilarious comments from Laura's kids, a surprising parenting tactic Shanna overheard in a grocery-store parking lot, and more! Also, Shanna reports on leaving her family for a retreat in the mountains, and Laura talks about her last-minute ticket score that led to an exciting mom's night out. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Going on a moms-only weekend retreat without your kids

-Going to a concert with your mom friend

-Using Resort Pass to take your kids to a pool for the day

-Hilarious things our kids say to us

-Surprising things strangers say to us

-Encouraging your child's interest in art

-Taking your kids to the library

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

-TickPick

-Chappel Roan tour

-Resort Pass

-Radiohead's "There, There" music video

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

-Ep. 382 (Where the outtake of Shanna and Laura talking about 6-7 is from)

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.

Visit our website!

This episode is sponsored by Inito. If you're trying to conceive or just want to understand more about your body and your cycles, try Inito: https://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=BFP&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=BFP

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the special segment "Internet Insanity," Shanna and Laura dive into the 6-7 trend and finally get to the bottom of what this Gen-Alpha slang means and where it comes from. They also share other gems they've found on the web recently, including surprising toddler comfort items, one-of-a-kind jewelry made from an unexpected source, and more! Also, Laura celebrates the release day of her new potty training book, and Shanna worries for her future now that her 6-year-old has started sleepwalking. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-The release of Laura's book "Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent" 

-When you catch your child sleepwalking

-What to do when your child has a night terror

-Jewelry made using bodily fluids

-Cute and hilarious emotional support items for toddlers

-Why are all the kids saying 6-7, and what does it mean?

-Using an unusual method to help teach your child to read

-A household product that brings Laura disproportionate joy

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

-"Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent" by Gia Gambaro Blount and Laura Birek

-Jizzellery

-Toddler's emotional support helmet Instagram reel from Brie Matthews

-"Doot Doot" by Skrilla

-Merv the Cat on TikTok

-Laundry Turtle

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

-Ep. 382 (Where the outtake of Shanna and Laura talking about 6-7 is from)

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.

Visit our website!

This episode is sponsored by Inito. If you're trying to conceive or just want to understand more about your body and your cycles, try Inito: https://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=BFP&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=BFP

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shanna and Laura get into the Halloween spirit with a spooky special segment, sharing scary parenting stories that will strike fear in even the most confident parents! Also, Laura reports on her kids' creepy Halloween costume choices, and Shanna reacts to her 6-year-old's last-minute request to switch costumes. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Kids' Halloween costumes

-Halloween parties

-Scary parenting stories

-Phrogging

-Purgatory box

-Creating screen-time rules with your kids

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

-What is Phrogging?

-PBS Kids

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

-Ep. 335 (Where Shanna talks about her Halloween party last year)

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.

Visit our website!

This episode is sponsored by Inito. If you're trying to conceive or just want to understand more about your body and your cycles, try Inito: https://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=BFP&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=BFP

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the special segment "Loose Ends," Laura and Shanna circle back on topics they've talked about in previous episodes, including updates about periods, pulmonologists, pet rocks and more! Also, Laura reports on taking her new book out into the world at the Celebration of the Young Child event in Pasadena, and Shanna reports on the new and improved reward system that she recently introduced to her kids to encourage their positive behavior. Finally, Shanna and Laura share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Attending a popular event to talk about potty training and Laura's new book

-Ideas for creating a successful reward system for your kids

-How to get an accurate bra measurement

-Should I let my child wear press-on nails?

-What are "shark teeth" in kids?

-Ideas for teaching your kids about puberty and periods

-Kids' emotional attachment to inanimate objects

-Celebrating your kids' creative endeavors

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

-"Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent" by Gia Gambaro Blount and Laura Birek

-Celebration of the Young Child festival in Pasadena

-A Bra That Fits subreddit

-Bird Fancier's Lung

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

-Ep. 360 (Where Laura talks about bra measurements and Shanna talks about Elle's fake-nail debacle)

-Ep. 366 (Where Laura visits the pulmonologist)

-Ep. 367 (Where Laura talks about Auggie's "shark teeth")

-Ep. 369 (Where Laura reports on Auggie's first lost tooth)

-Ep. 375 (Where Shanna discusses making a bespoke puberty slideshow for her kids)

-Ep. 379 (Where Shanna reports on Cece's emotional interaction with a neighbor's landscaping rock)

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.

Visit our website!

This episode is sponsored by Inito. If you're trying to conceive or just want to understand more about your body and your cycles, try Inito: https://try.inito.com/hormone-tracking/inf/?discount=BFP&utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=social&ut

m_campaign=podcast&utm_content=BFP

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the special segment "OMG I'm Freaking Out!" Shanna and Laura reveal the current parenting dilemmas that have their hair standing on end, diving into the topics of things you never want your kids to touch and things you wish your kids would never say. Also, Shanna reports on her 6-year-old's first softball game of the season, and Laura shares her 4-year-old's new dramatic interest. Finally, Shanna and Laura share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Kids' extracurricular activities

-Weird things our kids find

-When your kid spreads gossip about you

-A backyard toy that Shanna's kids love

-The unexpected benefit of Laura's new recording setup

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

-Inflatable slide

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.

Visit our website!

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the special segment "Why Is My Kid Crying?," Shanna and Laura explore the situations that have brought out the waterworks in their little ones recently, including unexpected morning meltdowns, big feelings about inanimate objects and more! Also in this episode, Laura discusses the trials and tribulations of naming a family pet, and Shanna reports on a weekend road trip with her kids to see a unique sporting event. Finally, Shanna and Laura share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Laura and family decide on a name for their new kitten

-Shanna and family take a road trip to San Diego

-The unpredictability of kids' emotions

-How to handle major meltdowns right before school starts

-Reviews for Laura's book "Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent"

-A fun museum to go to with kids in San Diego

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

-Savannah Bananas

-Maragritaville Hotel San Diego

-NetGalley

-"Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent" on NetGalley

-Museum of Illusions

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

-Ep. 378 - (For the episode where Laura adopts a new kitten)

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.

Visit our website!

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

To celebrate the release of Laura's new book "Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent," she and her co-author, Gia Gambaro Blount, answer listener questions all about potty training! They dive into the topics of when to know if your child is ready to start training, how to handle long car rides during the process, how to handle your child's reluctance to poop in the potty and more. Also in this episode, Laura reports on adding a new (and very cute) member to her family, and Shanna discusses getting down and dirty to improve her family's front yard. Finally, Shanna and Laura share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Shanna's unexpected way of working out stress, feelings and grief after a loss

-The newest member of Laura's family

-Advice for when your child is having trouble pooping in the potty

-What age to start potty training your child

-Tips for long car rides when you are potty training your child

-Shanna's surprising playdate

-Laura's school project

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

-"Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent" by Gia Gambaro Blount and Laura Birek

-Good to Go Parenting Website

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

-Ep. 339 (For the 2024 Year in Review episode, where Shanna hopes to hire a gardener)

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.

Visit our website!

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the special segment "Mom Wins!," Laura and Shanna celebrate their recent parenting achievements, including surprising successes inside a hotel lobby, at a big-kid's birthday party, in the presence of a claw machine and more! Also, Laura dives into a late-night crafting project that blows the minds of many children (and adults), and Shanna hires a non-family babysitter for the very first time. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-KPop Demon Hunters

-Making crafts on the Cricut

-Hiring babysitters

-Allowing self-expression in your children

-Managing your kids' meltdowns

-Hiring food-delivery robots

-Finding time and space for hobbies when you're a mom

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

-KPop Demon Hunters Movie on Netflix

-"The Carpool Detectives: A True Story of Four Moms, Two Bodies, and One Mysterious Cold Case" by Chuck Hogan

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

-Ep. 350 (For the episode where Shanna talks about her family's trip to Lake Arrowhead)

-Ep. 347 (For the episode where Shanna talks about taking Cece to an ice-skating party)

-Ep. 371 (For the episode where Laura talks about discovering food-delivery robots in her neighborhood)

-Ep. 19 (For the episode where Laura talks about spinning wool - before it made her nauseous)

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.

Visit our website!

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.