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.

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.