Big Fat Positive: Pregnancy and Parenting (BFP)

In the special segment "Stump the Moms," Shanna and Laura embark on a tour through history, grilling each other with surprising parenting trivia that takes them from prehistoric cave paintings to a 1974 marketing disaster to a present-day TikTok trend. Also, Shanna recaps a 4th of July fireworks adventure that almost didn't happen, and Laura shares an unexpected summer camp development that required some quick problem-solving. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 7.5 and 10 years old, and Laura's kids are 7.5 years old and 5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Taking your kids to their first 4th of July fireworks show

• When summer camp isn't the right fit: how to handle it with your child

• To tell or not to tell: navigating difficult conversations with kids

• Prehistoric cave paintings

• The invention of finger painting

• The TikTok trend that stops toddler meltdowns cold

• Pattern interrupt as a parenting technique

• Why Gerber's attempt to launch a new product line failed spectacularly

• How kids across the world draw people the same way at age three

• How many minutes per year parents spend driving kids to school activities

• Spirit days at camp: making them inclusive and fun

• Preschool yearbooks

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• 4th of July Extravaganza at Warner Center Park

• Ruffignac Cave / Cave of 100 Mammoths

• Ruth Faison Shaw

• Ziplock finger painting

• Gerber Singles

• The "Jessica" TikTok trend

• Camp Galileo

Connect with Us:

• Become a Patreon member to access ad-free episodes, bonus content, live hangouts and more!

• Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast

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

• Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com

• Email us: [email protected]

• Send us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!

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 things that have caused their little ones to melt down recently, from snack-related disasters to household accidents. Also, Laura reports on life after her trip to Italy, including a backyard helper who couldn't be stopped and a tooth that went missing in the night, and Shanna shares insights on what separates a good summer camp from a great one after her girls return to a longtime favorite. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 7.5 and 10 years old, and Laura's kids are 7 years old and 5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Recovering from jet lag with kids at home

• Getting kids involved in household chores

• The tooth fairy in 2026: is cash still exciting for kids?

• What to look for in a kids' summer program

• Handling your child's disappointment

• Wound closure strips: why it's a good idea to have them in your medicine cabinet

• Professional theater with kids: is it worth it?

• A classic, must-read chapter book for your kids (and you!)

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Nocturne Theater

• The Little Mermaid at The Nocturne Theater

• The BFG by Roald Dahl

• Giant - the Broadway play about Roald Dahl

• Wound closure strips / Steri-Strips

• Seussical the Musical

Connect with Us:

• Become a Patreon member to access ad-free episodes, bonus content, live hangouts and more!

• Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast

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

• Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com

• Email us: [email protected]

• Send us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!

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 sit down with Mike McLeod, founder of GrowNOW ADHD, co-host of "The ADHD Parenting Podcast," and author of "The Executive Function Playbook," to learn more about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). They dive into common misconceptions about ADHD, when parents might start to see signs of ADHD in their children, how screen time affects neurodivergent kids, how to navigate the ADHD medication journey, and so much more. Mike also breaks down exactly what executive function is and shares practical strategies parents can start using today to help strengthen their kids' executive functioning skills. This episode is available one week early for Patreon members at the Friends and Besties tiers.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Mike McLeod's background and how he became an ADHD expert
• Why ADHD is not a superpower, and why that framing can be harmful
• At what age to start evaluating your child for ADHD
• What executive function actually is
• The four pillars of executive function
• Working memory: hindsight, foresight and why ADHD kids are stuck in the present moment
• Practical strategies to strengthen executive functioning at home
• Screen time and ADHD: what the research actually says
• EdTech in classrooms
• ADHD medication: safety, effectiveness and navigating trial and error
• Common ADHD myths busted
• Why ADHD kids need authoritative parenting
• How to stop carrying the mental load alone

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• GrowNOW ADHD - Mike's organization, parent training and student skills coaching
• "The Executive Function Playbook: Building Independence in Kids with ADHD" by Mike McLeod - Mike's book, frequently referenced in this episode
• "The Executive Function Playbook in Action: Activities and Exercises to Support Kids with ADHD" - the companion workbook
• "The ADHD Parenting Podcast" - co-hosted by Mike McLeod and Ryan Wexelblatt, founder of ADHD Dude
• GrowNOW ADHD on Instagram
• Dr. Russell Barkley on YouTube - recommended for more on working memory and executive function
• Sarah Ward, M.S., CCC/SLP - also recommended for more on executive function
• "The Digital Delusion" by Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath - a must-read for parents and educators on edtech
• BookThinkers - the event Mike attended in Boston

Connect with Us:

• Become a Patreon member to access ad-free episodes, bonus content, live hangouts and more!

• Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast

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

• Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com

• Email us: [email protected]

• Send us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!

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 share recent parenting successes, including a meltdown intervention 6,000 miles from home and a wardrobe sacrifice that saved the day. Also, Laura reports on her child-free trip to Italy, and Shanna recaps a birthday that didn't go as planned. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 7.5 and 10 years old, and Laura's kids are 7 years old and 5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• What to do when your birthday doesn't go as planned

• Travelling solo as a mom

• A jet lag hack when travelling abroad with kids

• Using sensory awareness to help a dysregulated child

• The value of having a parenting village

• Why parenting techniques sometimes work better when coming from someone other than the parent

• What happens when you forget to clean up a spill in your car

• Gateway breakfast foods

• The best items to pack for a trip abroad

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Annenberg Beach House, Santa Monica

• Armstrong Nursery

• Little Bites by Entenmann's

• Nano Bag

• Salt-Water Sandals Sun-San Boardwalk

• Paper fans on Amazon

Connect with Us:

• Become a Patreon member to access ad-free episodes, bonus content, live hangouts and more!

• Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast

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

• Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com

• Email us: [email protected]

• Send us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!

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 answer listener questions on everything from what your child's personality at 15 months might tell you about who they'll become, to ideas for handling sibling conflict, to whether it's harder to go from zero to one child or one to two, and more!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• What your baby's personality at 1-2 years old might tell you about who they'll become

• How BFP episode lengths are determined (and why they aim for 50 minutes)

• Favorite and least favorite phases of parenting

• The threenager phase: why three might be the hardest age

• Canadian and Romanian/EU dual citizenship: Laura's situation explained

• Ideas for managing sibling fighting

• Using specific praise as a tool for reinforcing good sibling behavior

• Teaching your younger child not to take the bait from an older sibling

• Deciding to have another child

• Transitioning from zero to one child vs. one to two

• The surprising music our kids are loving right now

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• "The Ghost Ship That Didn't Carry Us" by Cheryl Strayed - The essay Laura recommends for anyone deciding whether to have a second child

• The Greatest Showman soundtrack

• "This Is Me" by Keala Settle

• Weezer's Blue Album

• Indiana Jones soundtrack by John Williams

• "The Rocky Road to Dublin" from the Sinners soundtrack

• "The Wellerman - Sea Shanty" by Nathan Evans

• BFP Episode 110 - Deciding to Have Another Baby

• BFP Episode 415 Extras on Patreon - Includes the outtake story about Laura's brother Jeff completing a map project at the last minute

Connect with Us:

• Become a Patreon member to access ad-free episodes, bonus content, live hangouts and more! patreon.com/bfppodcast

• Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast

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

• Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com

• Email us: [email protected]

• Send us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!

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 "Never Have I Ever," Shanna and Laura reveal the unexpected things they've done recently that they never imagined doing before having kids, including navigating an awkward conversation in a public place. Also, Laura reports on her 7-year-old's last week of first grade, and Shanna solves a months-long medical mystery involving her daughter's toe. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 7.5 and 10 years old, and Laura's kids are 7 years old and 5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The last week of first grade

• How to pack for a solo international trip

• Figuring out what is going on with your kid's toe

• Medical pedicures: what are they and are they worth it

• Hiding things from your kids (for their own safety)

• Age-appropriate explanations for things you weren't ready to explain yet

• Clothing rental subscriptions

• An item that makes packing your kid's lunches easier

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Sex Positive Families

• useacondom.com

• Nate the Hoof Guy on TikTok

• Nuuly clothing rental

• Bentgo Buddies reusable ice packs

Connect with Us:

• Become a Patreon member to access ad-free episodes, bonus content, live hangouts and more!

• Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast

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

• Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com

• Email us: [email protected]

• Send us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!

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 "Checkin' the Inbox," Laura and Shanna answer listener questions about staving off sickness when you're a parent, managing your child's impulsive behaviors, knowing when your child needs speech therapy, and more! Also, Shanna reports on an action-packed getaway to Ojai and Santa Barbara with her mom and girls, and Laura shares two updates about her 5-year-old, including a drawing milestone and a dollar-store hack that's been a hit. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 7 and 10 years old, and Laura's kids are 7 years old and 5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Should I give my child a structured or unstructured summer break?

• A SoCal weekend getaway that is close to Los Angeles and FUN!

• Family-friendly activities in Ojai and Santa Barbara

• The benefits of taking your kids on adventures in nature

• Getting your child an eye exam

• When your child suddenly has a leap in drawing skills

• Ideas for how to stay healthy and avoid sickness when you are a parent

• Situations that make you feel uncool as a mom

• How do you know if your child needs speech therapy?

• How does impulsive behavior manifest in children with ADHD?

• Tips for handling impulsive behavior

• Audiobooks and podcasts we currently love

• A fun, local, family activity - mini golf

• The best affordable sunscreen that your kids will actually like

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Lake Casitas kayak rentals

• Santa Barbara Zoo

• Land Shark Tours Santa Barbara

• BFP Episode 75 - where Shanna first talks about being intimidated by teenagers

• The ADHD Parenting Podcast

• Mike McLeod: Executive Function-ADHD Specialist

• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

• Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

• Famesick: A Memoir by Lena Dunham

• Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz

• Love Trapped podcast

• Search Engine podcast episode - "Why doesn't anybody come to my parties?"

• The Interview podcast episode - "Robby Hoffman Will Always Feel Poor, No Matter How Rich She Gets"

• If Books Could Kill podcast

• Since You Asked podcast

• Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb

• Sherman Oaks Castle Park Mini Golf

• Trader Joe's Invisible Gel Body Sunscreen

• Trader Joe's Daily Facial Sunscreen

Connect with Us:

• Become a Patreon member to access ad-free episodes, bonus content, live hangouts and more! patreon.com/bfppodcast

• Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast

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

• Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com

• Email us: [email protected]

• Send us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!

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 "Dear Past Me," Shanna and Laura turn back time to give their former selves parenting advice based on what they know now, including wisdom about kids' haircuts and handmade crafts. Also, Laura checks in about the surprising reason her child woke her up in the middle of the night, and Shanna gives updates about her daughter's student council run and talent-show debut. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 7 and 10 years old, and Laura's kids are 7 years old and 5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Weird reasons you get woken up in the middle of the night when you're a parent

• Processing emotions about your child's last year of preschool

• When your child runs for student council

• Preparing your child for a talent show

• Whether to give your child bangs

• Handling your child's deep emotional attachment to an object

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Underwood Family Farms

• Vertigo by Beach Bunny

Connect with Us:

• Become a Patreon member to access ad-free episodes, bonus content, live hangouts and more! patreon.com/bfppodcast

• Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast

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

• Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com

• Email us: [email protected]

• Send us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!

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

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 “What I Googled This Week,” Laura and Shanna reveal the funny and embarrassing things they've asked the internet recently, including questions about an unusual DIY craft project and an unexpected singing technique. Also, Shanna reports on the drama surrounding her family's turn at chick-sitting the class pets, and Laura talks about her 5-year-old's ear tube and adenoid surgery. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 7 and 10 years old, and Laura's kids are 7 years old and 5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Taking home your child's classroom pets for the night

• Ear tube and adenoid surgery

• The unexpected how-to videos we Googled this week

• When your child picks up a new hobby

• Two fun films that our kids love watching

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Lifetimes by Bryan Mellonie

• Children's Hospital Los Angeles

• Wicked Aviary Plague Doctor DIY Tutorial

• Vertigo by Beach Bunny

• Matilda (1996)

• Matilda the Musical (2022)

• Matilda by Roald Dahl

• Yodel Beat from Trolls World Tour

Connect with Us:

• Become a Patreon member to access ad-free episodes, bonus content, live hangouts and more! patreon.com/bfppodcast

• Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast

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

• Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com

• Email us: [email protected]

• Send us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!

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 "Gripe Water," Shanna and Laura share the hilariously petty parenting problems that have been bothering them lately, diving into the topics of student-council campaigns and shopping for kids' clothes. Also, Laura reports on accidentally reaching a parenting milestone, and Shanna recaps her last-minute scramble to help her 7-year-old complete a school project. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 7 and 10 years old, and Laura's kids are 7 years old and 5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• When is a good time to get rid of your baby monitor?

• Managing deadlines for your kids' school projects

• Helping your kid run for student council

• Where to find plain, unbranded clothes for your kids

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent by Laura Birek and Gia Gamabaro Blunt

• Great Big Family Play Day at the Autry Museum

• PCIT - Parent-Child Interaction Therapy

Connect with Us:

• Become a Patreon member to access ad-free episodes, bonus content, live hangouts and more! patreon.com/bfppodcast

• Follow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcast

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

• Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.com

• Email us: [email protected]

• Send us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing the show or leaving a review. Thank you!

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.