In this episode's "What the Hack?" segment, Shanna and Laura share a laundry trick for linen and gauze, a tip for getting tiny hair bands out without tugging, and a game that teaches kids conversational skills, plus surprising uses for common household items. Also, Shanna struggles to recover from her family vacation (including an unfortunate suitcase incident) and reports on back-to-school shopping, while Laura kicks off Mommy-Daddy Camp with a sidewalk find that dominates the whole week. They also share this week's BFPs and BFNs.

Kids' Ages: Shanna's kids are 7.5 and 10.5 years old, and Laura's kids are 7.5 years old and 5.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Recovering from vacation as a parent: why it's harder than it sounds

• The "every mess is a choice" debate

• Taking your kids back-to-school shopping

• Planning activities for when your kids don't have summer camp

• The joy of your kids discovering old-school, low-tech electronics

• Trick for getting tiny hair bands out without tugging

• How to keep craft supplies from disappearing at a shared table

• The frozen pizza hack for families with different topping preferences

• A funny and useful method for decluttering

• An easy way to remove wrinkles from linen and gauze clothing

• A fun game for teaching kids conversational skills

• Hack for cutting pancakes and waffles

• Tip for dispensing bubble solution without the spills

• Theremin: what it is and why your local library might have one

• Universal Studios with kids: when is the right age to go?

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Nature's Miracle - enzymatic cleaner for cat pee, highly recommended

• Look Dine-In Cinemas - $2 classic movie screenings

• Singin' in the Rain (1952) - what the family saw on Monday

• Kodak 4200 Carousel Slide Projector - the free sidewalk find

• r/CleaningTips on Reddit - where Shanna found the poop method

• Fine mist spray bottle - for de-wrinkling linen and gauze

• Universal Studios Hollywood

Connect with Us:

• Become a Patreon member for ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more.

• Follow @bfppodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, or join our Facebook community group.

Loved this episode? A quick rating or review helps other parents find the show. Thanks for listening!

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 "Would You Rather?," Shanna and Laura pose hypothetical parenting scenarios involving airplane antics, an irresistible newborn kitten, and more! Also, Laura reports on her 5-year-old's new activity that took some convincing and her 7-year-old's week at Percy Jackson summer camp, and Shanna recaps her family's trip to a 100-year-old lake community in Canada. 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:

• Getting your kid into a new activity when they're resistant

• How to show your son that gymnastics isn't just for girls

• What is Percy Jackson camp like?

• Travelling to Canada with kids

• Rustic cabin life with sensory-sensitive kids

• Kids and airplane boredom: what happens when the iPad dies

• What's involved in fostering a newborn kitten

• Whether to confront a stranger or just endure the annoyance

• What is valley fever?

• Recording vs. being present at your kid's graduation

• When your kid graduates from preschool

• Occupational therapy

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Mythic Camps / Camp Half-Blood - Augie's Percy Jackson camp

• Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Disney+ series)

• Valley Fever information - the fungal illness Laura mentions in connection with dust exposure

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 “Just You Wait,” Laura and Shanna share some of the things that get better as children grow up, including delightful developments on the playground, at birthday parties, in the car and more! Also, Shanna reports on a summer-camp dilemma that kept her up at night, and Laura checks in on her family's second week doing a screen-time ban. 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:

• When summer camp drama requires a midnight solution

• Trusting your gut when something feels off

• Week two of a screen time ban

• Building your child's tolerance for independent play

• When can you trust your kids with paint and Sharpies?

• Kids swinging themselves at the playground: when does this happen?

• Actually talking to other adults at kids' birthday parties

• When your kids become generous with their own money

• Getting in the car and going places without a production

• Occupational therapy: what it looks like and why wait lists are so long

• Kids' drama camp: writing and performing an original play

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Steve and Kate's Camp

• Hurricane Harbor

• Kids Empire

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid animated film

• Chuck E. Cheese

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 "OMG, I'm Freaking Out," Shanna and Laura share what's currently keeping them up at night, including a dental mystery that may require an unpleasant solution and a screen time wake-up call that was impossible to ignore. Also, Laura reports on her 7-year-old's mysterious trend of not eating lunch at summer camp, and Shanna recaps her girls' "Seussical the Musical" performance. 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:

• Sending your kid to a STEM/STEAM summer camp

• When your kid won't eat lunch at camp

• ADHD medication and appetite

• What it's like watching your kids in a musical theater performance

• When your child has a missing tooth that won't come in

• Screen time and ADHD

• Signs that screen time has gotten out of hand

• Screen-free playdates

• Buy Nothing groups: a great resource for gardening

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Camp Galileo - Auggie's STEM/STEAM summer camp

• The Executive Function Playbook by Mike McLeod - what Laura was reading that informed the screen time decision

• Cap'n Crunch Chicken recipe - Planet Hollywood copycat recipe

• Shane's Inspiration - inclusive playground where one birthday party was held

• Buy Nothing Project - Shanna's source for free succulent cuttings

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 "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.