Big Fat Positive: Pregnancy and Parenting (BFP)

In the special segment "Today I Learned," Laura and Shanna discuss the fascinating or unusual things they have learned about recently, including the story of how a mom on maternity leave saved a major motion picture and a disturbing phenomenon involving a beloved children's toy. Also, Shanna navigates her daughter's last-minute wardrobe crisis, and Laura spends Mother's Day doing exactly what she wanted. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including events that provided some big laughs. 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:

• Planning a Mother's Day outing with your kids

• Validating your child's feelings vs. gaslighting them into positivity

• Reclaiming hobbies after having kids

• How a mom saved Toy Story 2

• Why your Owala (and other plastic items) may be melting

• Surprising your partner: tips for keeping a secret in the age of smartphones

• The Netflix Is a Joke Festival: a good excuse to see live comedy in LA

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Next Web article: "How Pixar’s Toy Story 2 was deleted twice, once by technology and again for its own good"

• Reddit post about melting plastic Owala water bottle

• Sad Doll Disease - article in New Scientist

• Owala water bottle

• The Handsome Podcast

• The Wiltern

• Largo at the Coronet

• Flight of the Conchords

• Netflix Is a Joke Festival

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 “Mom Confessions,” Laura and Shanna share the embarrassing or hilarious parenting experiences they have had recently, including an interaction with an unsuspecting stranger, an incident with a curious cat and more. Also, Laura celebrates her 10th wedding anniversary with an out-of-the-ordinary trip, and Shanna recaps a nail-biting end to her 7-year-old's softball season. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a piece of office equipment that had to be rationed like screen time. 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 your first overnight trip as a couple after having kids

• Self-driving cars: would you try a Waymo?

• When your child is facing a big moment and you're a nervous wreck

• Kids with ADHD and visual tracking challenges in sports

• Cats and kids: an unpredictable combination

• Regulating your own emotions on a bad parenting day

• Sleep disruption from enlarged adenoids in kids

• Electric pencil sharpeners: a surprisingly divisive household item

• Face painting at kids' sports events

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Line LA - Hotel that Laura and Corey went to for their anniversary

• Waymo - Self-driving cars

• Hard Fork - podcast that radicalized Laura on self-driving cars

• Gwen - Restaurant that Laura and Corey went to for anniversary dinner

• Martin Riese - Water sommelier

• "Mom" by Meghan Trainor - Cece's walkup song

• Spotify Jam

• "Mr. Sun" by Raffi

• "Grumpy Monkey" - Kid's book Shanna mentions

• Robot Electric Pencil Sharpener

• Face Paint Pens (Jim & Gloria)

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 407 - Where Shanna first talked about the Savannah Bananas San Diego trip

• Ep. 410 - Where Laura first discussed Sebastian's ENT follow-up and upcoming ear tube surgery

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 "Out of Context," Laura and Shanna share random text messages they have sent or received that shed light on their parenting lives, including shocking elementary-school auction items, bizarre stovetop contraptions and more. Also, Shanna gives an update on her 7-year-old's daily medication routine, and Laura reports on a last-minute volunteering opportunity that turned into an hours-long commitment. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including an exciting new parenting support program and a long-awaited Disneyland milestone. Shanna's kids are 7 and 10 years old, and Laura's kids are 7 and 5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Helping your child get comfortable with a daily medicine routine

• Whether or not to use a reward system to help your child take medicine

• When volunteering at school becomes a whole "thing."

• What is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)?

• Picking your battles with neurodivergent kids

• Shockingly inappropriate items in a school auction

• Kids playing April Fools' Day pranks on their parents

• Disneyland height requirements and the fast pass card hack

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• UCLA PCIT Program - Parent-Child Interaction Therapy individual and group sessions

• Five Below - Shanna's treasure box supply sources

• Wheel of Names - Shanna's homework rotation system

• The Comeback - HBO show Laura watched while babysitting at Nora's

• The Traitors - Peacock reality show (Nora's murder mystery party theme)

• Highlights Magazine - Source of the April Fools' food prank activity

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 410 - Where Shanna talks about her struggle to get Cece to take her new daily medication

• Ep. 411 - Where Laura's BFP was the Long Beach Grand Prix

• Ep. 388 - Where Laura discussed switching the kids' schools

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.

Laura checks in on her 7-year-old's Little League season, and Shanna reports on a volunteer experience at her daughter's school that is somehow both underwhelming and overstimulating. Also, in the special segment "Loose Ends," Shanna and Laura give updates about topics they've talked about previously, including needy phases, screen time, hair care and more! Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including an exciting event in Southern California and an ordinary kitchen tool that can make food exciting for kids. 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:

• Letting your partner take the lead on kids' activities

• When your child refuses to go to their sports games and practices

• Volunteering at your kids' school

• Does Laura feel like switching her kids' school was worth it?

• Handling your child's needy/clingy phases

• Dealing with screen time setbacks

• Tips for managing fine hair

• Volunteering as team DJ

• Fixing a broken tooth

• Taking your kids to an exciting car racing event in Southern California

• How an ordinary kitchen tool can make food fun for kids

Products, links, and resources mentioned in this episode:

• Grand Prix of Long Beach

• OXO Peeler

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 388 - Laura shares her decision to switch her boys' schools.

• Ep. 392 - Laura discusses Sebastian's emotional/needy phase.

• Ep. 393 - Shanna talks about the fine hair subreddit.

• Ep. 395 - Laura reports on the PlayStation being introduced to her kids.

• Ep. 401 - Shanna talks about taking on the role of softball team DJ for the spring season.

• Ep. 408 - Shanna reports on losing a tooth crown while flossing.

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.

Shanna and Laura talk bizarre pregnancy infographics and shockingly bad mom "hacks" in the special segment "Internet Insanity." Also, Shanna recounts a tumultuous week of getting her 7-year-old started on a new medication, and Laura reports on some unexpected news from her 5-year-old's ENT appointment. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a spontaneous neighborhood adventure and a long-overdue outing to a beloved Los Angeles children's museum. 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:

• Strategies for helping your child start a new, daily medication

• Navigating ADHD medication side effects and adjustments

• Figuring out if your child needs ear tubes put in

• What are adenoids, and why do kids get them removed?

• Terrible AI-generated health content online

• Questionable parenting "hacks" on Facebook

• Getting out of a rut: "capital A activities" for kids in Los Angeles

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• The ADHD Parenting Podcast

• Ruchi Singh - Facebook creator of terrible AI pregnancy posts

• Questionable kids' natural makeup hack

• Questionable swim diaper hack

• Hopia Like It - Filipino bakery Shanna discovered on a neighborhood walk with Cece

• KidSpace Children's Museum - Laura's BFP outing in Pasadena

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 405 - Where Shanna and Laura talk about ADHD

• Ep. 402 - Where Laura talks about taking Sebastian to the ENT to discuss the status of his ear tubes at age 5

• Ep. 266 - Where Laura reports on Sebastian's ear tube surgery at age 2

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.

Laura reports on her family's rocky journey home from Mexico and the effects it had on her kids, and Shanna talks about how her daughter's adorable Easter egg hunt took an unexpected turn. Also, in the special segment "Throwback," Shanna shares two stories about how her impulsive decisions as a child disrupted her family's vacations. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a long-overdue errand Laura finally checked off her list and a spontaneous project Cece took on that made Shanna's heart sing. 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:

• How to keep your kids occupied during a long travel day

• Handling sibling jealousy during spring break

• Taking kids to birthday parties when they're overtired and dysregulated

• Sending your kids to day camp during school breaks

• Impulsive childhood decisions

• When best-laid vacation plans go wrong

• Letting your child take ownership of a project

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Johnny Rockets (Restaurant in the Cancun airport)

• "Meat tenderizer in the acute treatment of imported fire ant stings" - Article from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1987

• Pinetop, Arizona - Where Shanna's family vacationed

• Best Jewelry and Watch Repair, Glendale — Laura's ring resizing recommendation

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 386 - Where Shanna shares the hack of keeping an Oh Shit kit in your car

• Ep. 397 - Where Shanna talks about her girls attending "field trip" camp over winter break

• Ep. 408 - Where Laura shares a Throwback story about the time her family went on vacation to an all-inclusive Club Med resort in Mexico

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 "Throwback," Laura recounts a family trip to Club Med in Mexico when she was 13 that involved hypnosis, trapeze and forbidden love. Also, Shanna faces the consequences of packing too many family plans into one Saturday, and Laura shares the revelation that allowed her to fully enjoy her family's spring-break trip to Mexico. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including late-night tooth trauma and more. 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:

• Over-planning your weekend (and paying the price)

• Travelling with a selective/picky eater

• Vacationing at an all-inclusive resort with kids

• Growing up at 13: crushes, trapeze, and the last family trip before everything changed

• Dog training: getting the whole family on the same page

• Dental health hacks for people who hate flossing

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya - The all-inclusive resort Laura and fam stayed at during their vacation in Mexico

• Agoutis - the cute critters Laura's family saw during their trip

• Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 toothbrush - The toothbrush Laura uses that gets her a gold star at the dentist

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 281 - Where Laura shares a Throwback story about the time her family found what they thought was a baby osprey while vacationing on the Jersey shore.

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 brand-new special segment "What's in Your Bag?," Laura and Shanna dig deep to discover the hilarious items that only parents would have lurking at the bottoms of their purses and bags, including a soggy sensation that made Shanna recoil and the sad remains of a once-glorious creation that Laura remembers fondly. Also, Laura reports on her 5-year-old's progress in his new TK classroom, and Shanna checks in on her family's action-packed weekend in San Diego. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a fancy purchase Laura made just for herself and a dinner experience that Shanna was surprisingly delighted by. 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:

• Transitioning your child to a new classroom mid-year

• Kids' sports: what to expect from Little League at age 7

• Planning low-key family weekend trips in Southern California

• What's really at the bottom of a mom's bag

• Setting up a home sewing and craft room

• Reclaiming pre-kids hobbies as a parent

• Credit card points: a secret weapon for personal splurges

• Taking your kids to live music at dinner

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Savannah Bananas

• Museum of Illusions

• Margaritaville Hotel

• Mission Beach

• Belmont Park

• Giggles candy

• Owala water bottle

• Deadpool

• Brabantia Ironing Board

• Teddy Swims

• "As It Was" by Harry Styles

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 406 - Where Shanna talks about Owala water bottles vs. Stanleys

• Ep. 404 - Where Laura talks about Sebastian transitioning into the TK classroom at his school

Connect with Us:

• 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 "What the Hack?," Shanna and Laura share some of their favorite parenting tips and tricks, including ideas for making household laundry easier, making homework time more engaging and more! Also, Shanna has a surprising reaction to her daughter's softball schedule this season, and Laura's son has his first appointment with an Occupational Therapist. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a product that has changed Shanna's life for the better and a musical event that delighted Laura's entire family. 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:

• Handling your kids' extracurricular activity schedules
• What is occupational therapy?
• Dealing with sibling jealousy
• Clever parenting tips and tricks for laundry, oil stains, homework, dangerous dress-up clothes and more
• Best water bottle ever
• Kid-friendly live concerts

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Helium balloons at Staples
• Oil stain hack on Reddit
• Cabinet door and drawer bumpers
• Fluffy key fob
• iPhone Shortcuts app
• How to: Automating a file to play on your iPhone
• Wheel of Names
• Collapsible laundry hampers
• Bare-bones stopwatch
• Owala water bottle
• Rock and Roll Playground

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 391 - Where Shanna talks about streamlining her kids' extracurricular-activity schedule

Connect with Us

• 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 "Big Topic" Shanna and Laura dive into the topic of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). They share their personal experiences with ADHD, including learning about the symptoms of the condition, the process of getting an assessment for their children (and themselves), seeking treatment and much more. Also, Laura reports on handling the pressure of a busy work week by outsourcing an unpleasant task, and Shanna talks about a bedtime incident with her 7-year-old that brought up big feelings. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including an intense rock 'n' roll concert and an overly enthusiastic volunteer experience. 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:

• The challenge of being a working mom and managing childcare and housework

• Outsourcing tasks when managing everything is overwhelming

• Managing your feelings about your kids growing up and starting to show signs of separating

• ADHD in kids

• Parenting kids with ADHD

• What are the signs that your child might have ADHD?

• When should I get my child assessed for ADHD?

• ADHD in adult women

• Getting a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis

• Handling your child's huge feelings and emotional meltdown in public

• Experiencing mood swings from increasing ADHD medication dose

• Volunteering in your child's classroom

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Laundry Pop

• 80-HD from Dog Man

• Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents by Dr. Russell A. Barkley

• Dr. Russell A. Barkley - Internationally recognized authority on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD/ADD) in children & adults

• Russell Barkley's YouTube channel

• Raising Your Spirited Child: A Guide for Parents Whose Child Is More Intense, Sensitive, Perceptive, Persistent, and Energetic by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka

• The ADHD Parenting Podcast

• Read Across America

• Penguin Problems by Jory John and Lane Smith

• Unicorn Day by Diana Murray and Luke Flowers

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Bonus: 2023 Wrap Up - Where Shanna first mentioned ADHD on the podcast

Connect with us:

• 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: Pregnancy and Parenting 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.