Big Fat Positive: Pregnancy and Parenting (BFP)

In the special segment "They Said What?!" Shanna and Laura discuss the funny, outrageous or offensive things people have said to them recently, including a surprisingly sentimental comment about Laura's upcoming travel plans and a shocking outburst in a grocery-store parking lot. Also, Shanna reports on her kids' new chore routine, and Laura talks about her anxiety leading up to her first grader's school performance. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a fun dinner activity for the family and a big school transition. 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:

• Implementing a reward system at home with your kids
• Having your kids do chores around the house
• Questioning your own parenting decisions based on someone else's opinion
• Angering a stranger in public
• Can being a mom change your brain
• Funny things kids say
• Making homemade sushi
• Transitioning from preschool to TK

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Kallaloo! A Caribbean Tale
• Stone Soup folk story
• Trader Joe's
• Disney Adults
• Sushi rolling mats
• Grim Grinning Ghosts song from the Haunted Mansion ride

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 381 - Where Shanna introduces the "Cat Bucks" reward system

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 "OMG I'm Freaking Out!," Shanna and Laura reveal the current parenting dilemmas that have their hair standing on end, including an unexpected sight on Shanna’s school communication app and a travel conundrum that is stressing Laura out. Also, Laura reports on her son’s back-to-back tooth loss that has left him with a double gap, and Shanna checks in on her daughter’s surprising trip to the dentist to get her cavities filled. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a fun kids craft and a trip to Vegas. 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:

• What to do when your kid loses a tooth right before bed
• What happens when your kid loses a tooth at school
• When your child needs to get cavities filled
• Seeing something confusing and unsettling on your school communication app
• Deciding whether to travel solo or with your family
• The joy of your child expressing interest in something you love
• Taking a trip to Las Vegas

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Rainbow Loom kit
• Wizard of Oz at the Sphere
• Mad Apple

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 402 - Where Laura learns about the Ear Tube Fairy

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 new special segment “Just You Wait,” Laura and Shanna flip the usual fear-mongering script about parenting older kids and share some of the things that get better as children grow up. Also, Shanna gives an update on Cece’s ear-piercing saga, and Laura reports on her 5-year-old's ENT appointment to discuss his ear tubes. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a family board game that turned out to be a huge hit and a delightfully bizarre piece of "junk mail." 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:

• Following through on something scary and being proud of yourself
• Going to the ENT to discuss ear tubes for your child
• Using a digital otoscope at home
• The things that get more fun and entertaining as kids get older
• The joy of kids becoming more independent with snacks and bedtime reading
• Sweet ways older kids show love and affection
• How much easier life gets when you can leave the room without constant worry
• Watching your child stick with an activity and build real skills over time
• A family board game that helps kids practice money skills
• A hilarious prank-mail

Products, links, and resources mentioned in this episode:

• Digital otoscope
• The Allowance Game
• Lakeshore Learning
• Coin rollers
• Alan Wagner on Instagram
• TrueWagner.com

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 401 - Where Shanna originally takes Cece to get her ear pierced

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 "Why Is My Kid Crying?," Shanna and Laura explore the things that have brought out the waterworks in their little ones recently, including situations in the distant past that seem to have induced an anxiety attack and a jealousy-induced meltdown. Also, Laura is skeptical about her son's newest extracurricular activity, and Shanna is surprised by the incident that leaves her daughter looking "like a pirate." Finally, the moms wrap up with their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a joyous celebration at the park and a volunteer position that actually sounds fun. Shanna’s kids are 10 and 7 years old, and Laura’s kids are 7 and 5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Signing your kid up for an extracurricular activity that requires a big time commitment
• Dads taking the lead on planning activities for the kids
• Getting your kids' ears pierced
• Handling your child's anxiety and allowing them to make their own decisions about their body
• Can a traumatic situation that happened when your child was a baby or toddler still affect them?
• When your child feels extreme jealousy toward their sibling
• Navigating your kids' big feelings about something seemingly trivial
• Setting rules about screen time and how your kids handle those rules
• Having a joint birthday party for your kids
• Volunteering for your kids' extracurricular activity

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Little League
• 2023 Writers Strike
• The Simpsons

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 271 - Where Laura talks about how the Writers' Strike is affecting her family

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.

Laura and Shanna celebrate their 400th episode of "Big Fat Positive" with a very special "Checkin' the Inbox" segment, in which they answer listener questions sent in via voice memo! They dive into the topics of baby naming, deciding whether to have a second child, the parenting “rules” they swore they’d never break and more! Also, Shanna recaps Elle’s 10th birthday celebrations, and Laura shares a sweet sibling moment during Sebastian’s 5th birthday trip. Finally, the moms wrap up with their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a party activity that will excite all your guests and an ingenious way to brush up on your foreign-language skills during your kids' bedtime. Shanna’s kids are 10 and 7 years old, and Laura’s kids are 7 and 5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Celebrating 400 episodes of Big Fat Positive
• Big birthday milestones
• How the podcast has changed our lives
• Handling the decision about going from having more than one child
• Baby names we love
• Fun ideas for your kids' birthday parties
• Graphic novels to read with your kids
• A unique idea for brushing up on your foreign-language skills

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Speakpipe - Leave us a voice message!
• Doc Martens Girls' Sparkly Black Boots
• Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland
• "The Ghost Ship That Didn't Carry Us" by Cheryl Strayed
• Clawsome claw machine rentals for events
• "Ghosts" by Raina Telgemeier
• "Fantasmas" by Raina Telgemeier

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 399 - Where Shanna talks about the name Elara Jane
• Ep. 396 - Where Laura surprises Auggie with a birthday trip to Disneyland

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 “Internet Insanity,” Shanna and Laura share the wild and wacky content they've found online recently, including a baby name that has risen to fame for a surprising reason and a mom-group breakup of epic proportions. Also, Laura shares how a Percy Jackson obsession turned into a spontaneous after-school trip with her kids, and Shanna talks about the device that enabled her 9-year-old to arrange her own play date. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including family outings at two Los Angeles landmarks, one beautiful and one bizarre. Shanna’s kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 7 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• A spontaneous after-school adventure with your kids
• When your kid starts planning their own social life
• Giving your child a “just enough” phone for safety and texting friends
• 2025's name of the year and what it says about baby naming trends
• Toxic mom-group drama, celebrity edition
• Keeping longtime friendships going as parents
• Fun, unusual day trips around Los Angeles with kids

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Percy Jackson book series
• Percy Jackson series on Disney+
• Percy Jackson end credits
• Griffith Observatory
• Tracfone
• "The 2025 Name of the Year is Elara" by Laura Wattenberg
• "How a ‘Splash’ Joke Led to the ‘Madison’ Baby Name Boom"
• Perez Hilton
• "Breaking Up With My Toxic Mom Group" by Ashley Tisdale French
• "Matthew Koma (Hilary Duff's husband) getting in on the 'mom group' drama"
• Huntington Gardens
• Old Los Angeles Zoo in Griffith Park

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 397 - Where Shanna's kids go to "field trip" camp
• Ep. 305 - Where Sebastian fell and got a gash on his nose at the Huntington Gardens

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]

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 celebrate their recent parenting achievements, including a clever chemistry-based solution that saved bath time and a surprising moment of jumping into action to help a stranger. Also, Shanna checks in about adjusting to a new chapter now that the kids are back at school and she must figure out what’s next after leaving her job, while Laura shares an unexpected weekend saga that took a sharp turn. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a full agenda “mommy camp” day and a new hobby that’s quickly becoming a kid’s entire personality. Shanna’s kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 7 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Adjusting to life after leaving your job and figuring out what's next
• Giving yourself permission to have a “fallow period” after a big work/life shift
• Handling your kid's sudden and mysterious medical symptoms while far from home
• Solving kid “fairness” problems before they become full-blown meltdowns
• Citric acid: what it is, how to use it and why Laura swears by it
• When motherhood changes how you respond in an urgent situation
• Planning an all-day outing with kids to avoid a wide-open day at home
• Watching your kid fall in love with a new hobby

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Piccle P street artist
• Chuck E. Cheese Fun Pass
• Bath Bomb Potion Kit
• Citric Acid
• Trails Cafe
• Jesse Owens Park
• Zootopia 2
• Guitar Ninjas
• Fender Squier 3/4-size electric guitar
• Guitar strings mnemonics

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 397 - Where Laura talks about the bath potions as her BFP for the week
• Ep. 384 - Where Sebastian wonders why Laura didn't marry Tom York of Radiohead

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]

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 “Stump the Moms,” Laura and Shanna quiz each other about old-school pregnancy tests, the shocking resale value of kids' toys, the cost of giving birth in the 1950s and more! Also, Laura reports on the sweet relief of her kids returning to school after winter break and her 4-year-old getting his first eye exam, and Shanna talks about the surprising result of sending her kids to a week-long "field trip" camp. Finally, they wrap up with their weekly BFPs and BFNs, including a toy that will excite your kids for bath time and a sweet local event that will inspire you to check the activity calendar at your local library. Shanna’s kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 7 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Returning to school after a long winter break
• What to do with your kids during an extended winter break
• How long, busy days outside of the house affect your child's mood and regulation
• How much did it cost to have a baby in the 1950s
• Why are some LEGO sets so expensive?
• What was the first pregnancy test like?
• What kids' toy was originally created for adults?
• How many LEGO bricks are there in the world?
• A fun bath toy for kids that Laura loves
• A fun, local, free activity that Shanna took her kids to

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" by Bing Crosby
• InfantSEE - Infant eye exam program
• Steve & Kate's Camp
• Glendale Central Library
• SkyZone Trampoline Park
• "How Much Does It Cost to Have a Baby Now?"
• Ole Kirk's LEGO House
• LEGO Unicef Van
• Star Wars Death Star LEGO set
• The Rabbit Test
• "10 Wacky Facts About Play-Doh That Will Amaze You"
• Bath Bomb Potion Kit
• BARK Reading Dogs

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]

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 I Googled This Week,” Shanna and Laura reveal the funny and embarrassing things they've asked the internet recently, including a ridiculously juvenile question about astronomy and an out-of-the-ordinary query about a popular theme park. Also, Shanna checks in about a major life transition happening during a chaotic holiday week, and Laura talks about the big surprise she planned for Auggie's 7th birthday. Finally, they wrap up with their weekly BFPs and BFNs, including an outing that made the kids feel like they’d entered a magical new world and a holiday family tradition. Shanna’s kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 7 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Experiencing a big work/life change while still in full holiday-parent mode
• Struggling to get your kids to take medicine
• Auggie's 7th birthday
• Pulling off a big surprise for your kid
• Tips for going to Disneyland in the rain
• What's the right way to pronounce “Uranus”
• Do kids these days go to bookstores?
• Taking your family to a fun holiday light show

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Disneyland California resident ticket deal
• “We Don’t Wear Ears” (Disney tips Instagram account)
• Waterproof stroller cover
• Insoles for rain boots
• MEL Magazine article about Uranus
• The Open Book bookstore
• The Last Bookstore
• Descanso Gardens Enchanted Lights

Past BFP episodes referenced in this episode:

• Ep. 364 (Where Shanna teaches Cece how to swallow pills)
• Ep. 257 (Where Shanna struggles to get Cece to take medication)

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]

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 stroller envy and screen time. Also, Laura reports on the people, gifts and baked goods that made her Christmas special, and Shanna talks about managing a hectic, cooped-up holiday week with a sick kid. Finally, they wrap up with their weekly BFPs and BFNs, including a fun family outing and an indoor activity that unexpectedly became a big hit. Shanna’s kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• A low-key, rainy Christmas week and what it’s like hosting visiting family (and dogs)
• Parenting your sick child during the holidays
• Stroller envy: missing the days when you had a mobile cart for all your kid gear
• Managing kids’ video game obsession, meltdowns, and tough transitions

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Harry Potter Lego sets
• Five Nights at Freddy's kids costume
• Captain America kids costume
• Air drum sticks
• America's Test Kitchen gingerbread cookies
• Pottery wheel for kids
• School kit from Lakeshore Learning
• Nex Playground
• Chemex carafe
• Cuisanart water kettle
• Hulken bag
• Pickwick Ice Center
• Ransom Notes game

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]

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.