Big Fat Positive: Pregnancy and Parenting (BFP)

Latest Episodes:

Solving Bedtime Bedlam - Ep. 333 Nov 18, 2024

Show notes

In the special segment "Mom Wins," Laura and Shanna celebrate their recent parenting successes, diving into the topics of solving bedtime dysregulation and creating fruitful family fun. Also, Laura reports on her family's deep dive into fall activities, including a trip to a truly unique pumpkin patch, and Shanna opens up about her struggle to manage transitioning back to working in the office while also juggling parenting responsibilities. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Taking your kids to the pumpkin patch

-How much does it cost to rent a Millennium Falcon bounce house?

-Struggling to manage being a working mom and handle the transition to returning to the office.

-Celebrating your parenting successes

-Growing your own pomegranates

-Using a creative solution to solve your kids' dysregulation at bedtime

-A TV show that's a great alternative to YouTube and TikTok for kids

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

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

Visit our website!

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Drop-Off Playdates: A Whole New Level Unlocked - Ep. 332 Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

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 troublesome toys and sloppy surfaces. Also, Shanna talks about taking "drop-off playdates" to a whole new level, and Laura reports on managing work and parenting when a deadline is looming. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-How to manage drop-off playdates

-Should I let my child ride in someone else's car?

-Laura and Gia's potty training book

-Managing work and parenting simultaneously

-Why are kids' toys so loud?

-How to keep surfaces uncluttered when you have kids

-Revamping your backyard to make it more kid-friendly

-Instilling house rules about toys

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

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

Visit our website!

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Literal Toddler Queen - Ep. 331 Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

In the special segment "Today I Learned," Laura and Shanna discuss the fascinating or unusual things they have learned recently, including a historical parenting choice that resonates today, a surprising weeklong break that some schools in the U.S. take and more. Also, Laura reports on leaving her kids for two nights for the first time ever, and Shanna talks about her 5-year-old's recent class presentation. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Going out of town without your kids for the first time

-What will happen to my milk supply if I go out of town without my nursing child?

-Is walking pneumonia going around?

-Parenting when you and your partner are sick at the same time

-Are cats affected by having kids in the home?

-What is the history of baby leashes?

-What is Ski Week at schools?

-When toddlers become queens

-Do I need to get my tonsils out?

-Car seat buckle helper

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

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

Visit our website!

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Growing Up in a Haunted House: A Spooky Childhood Story - Ep. 330 Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

Laura and Shanna get in the Halloween spirit with a very spooky "Throwback" segment, in which Laura recounts unsettling moments from her childhood living in a haunted house. Also, Shanna reports on how the Halloween season disrupts her life, and Laura discusses the evolution of her 3-year-old's Halloween costume. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Halloween

-Costume ideas for your kids

-Celebrating Halloween with your kids

-Growing up in a haunted house

-Doing Halloween crafts with your kids

-Seeing "The Wild Robot" movie with your kids

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

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

Visit our website!

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Kids Show Just Gave Me Apocalypse Anxiety! - Ep. 329 Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

In the special segment "OMG I'm Freaking Out!" Shanna finds herself contemplating the apocalypse when she watches one of her kids' favorite shows, and Laura gets the willies when she imagines the upcoming phase in her kids' dental journey. Also, Laura reports on the spontaneous adventure she took with her 3-year-old, and Shanna reluctantly admits how she has backtracked on her resolve to simplify her family's life. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Going on spontaneous adventures with your kid

-Visiting the National History Museum in Los Angeles

-Should I sign my kids up for extracurricular activities?

-Worrying about the apocalypse when you're a mom

-The kids show Colossal Questions

-Handling overwhelm when you are a mom

-Ideas for getting your kid to take antibiotics when they hate the taste

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

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

Visit our website!

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Should I Do Fertility Testing? Listener Q&A - Ep. 328 Oct 14, 2024

Show notes

In part two of "Checkin' the Inbox," Laura and Shanna answer more listener questions, diving into the topics of fertility tests, baby names, diet culture and more! Also, Shanna talks about her daughter's student council campaign, and Laura reports on her 5-year-old's latest writing achievement. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Helping your kid run for student council

-When letters and writing click for your Kindergartener

-How to handle social media when you are pregnant

-Handling grief when you are a parent

-Trying to conceive

-Should I do fertility testing before trying to conceive

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

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

Visit our website!

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Should You Stop Being Naked in Front of Your Kids? - Ep. 327 Oct 07, 2024

Show notes

In the special segment "Checkin' the Inbox," Shanna and Laura answer listener questions about strategies for keeping your mom-life organized, handling nudity in front of your kids, discussing your child's development with strangers and more. Also, Laura talks about feeling overwhelmed by managing her parenting, work and home life, and Shanna discusses what happened when she said "yes" to her 5-year-old's surprising idea for a play date. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Feeling overwhelmed as a mom

-Juggling parenting, work and home life

-Setting up fun play dates for your kids

-What apps are good for organizing your mom-life

-How do you talk to strangers about your child's development

-When should you stop being naked in front of your kids

-Identifying where you have confidence as a parent

-The Moth story slam

-Using cookie cutters to make kids' dinner fun

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

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

Visit our website!

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Helping Your Child Relax After a Bad Dream - Ep. 326 Sep 30, 2024

Show notes

In the special segment "What the Hack?," Laura and Shanna share some of their favorite parenting tips and tricks, including ideas for encouraging your kids' independent play, helping your kids relax after having bad dreams and more. Also, Shanna reports on the newest addition to her family, and Laura talks about her 3-year-old's sudden swimming skills. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Exposing your kids to old-school technology

-Encouraging your kids to write stories

-When will my preschooler learn to swim?

-Parenting tips and tricks

-How to use a candle safely when you have kids

-Using Magnatiles in a creative way

-How to help kids get stickers off of sticker sheets

-Encouraging your kids' independent play

-Using task charts to motivate your kids

-How to handle clothes your kids have outgrown

-Ideas for handling your kids' bad dreams

-Improving your backyard

-Taking fun photos with your kids

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

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

Visit our website!

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Creepy Thing on the Baby Monitor at 3am - Ep. 325 Sep 23, 2024

Show notes

In the special segment "Never Have I Ever: Parenting Edition," Laura and Shanna dive into the topics of unusual things we have bought for our kids, the eerie things we've heard lately as parents and more! Also, Laura discusses her experience getting a colonoscopy and how it affected her mom life, and Shanna reports on the newest reward system she's invented for her kids. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Getting a colonoscopy

-Preparing for a colonoscopy when you're a mom

-Creating a reward system for your kids to incentivize good behavior

-When your kid wants to use vampire teeth

-Handling your child's big emotions at pickup time

-When your child talks about their past lives

-Hearing creepy things on the baby monitor

-Trouble with kids' extracurricular activities

-Spending time with family friends

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

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

Visit our website!

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What Is Skibidi Toilet? A Parent's Guide to Gen Alpha Memes - Ep. 324 Sep 16, 2024

Show notes

In another installment of the segment "Internet Insanity," Shanna and Laura take a deep dive into the confounding world of Skibidi Toilet, including its origins, its hold on Gen Alpha and the moral panic surrounding its existence. Also, Shanna reports on the questionable thing her daughter's school did without parental consent, and Laura checks in on her 5-year-old's first week of Kindergarten. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5.5 and 8.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5.5 years old and 3.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Back to school

-Is it okay for schools to collect biometric data from students?

-First day of kindergarten

-What is Skibidi toilet?

-Is it okay for my kid to watch Skibidi Toilet?

-When our kids are exposed to internet memes

-Taking time to do something for yourself when you're a mom

-An excellent and funny kids book

This episode's full show notes can be found here.

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

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