Big Fat Positive: Pregnancy and Parenting (BFP)

Latest Episodes:

Shanna's Family Dinner That Turned Berserk - Ep. 303 Apr 22, 2024

Show notes

Laura reports on her three-year-old's progress with potty training, and Shanna tells the story of an unexpectedly dramatic dinner with her family. Also, in the special segment "Loose Ends," Shanna and Laura give updates about topics they've talked about previously, including behavior issues, Botox and more! Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 3 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Potty training

-When children start staying dry at night

-Doing babysitting swaps with friends

-Doing Botox for migraines

-Handling your child's dysregulation and behavior challenges

-Handling your child's fear of the dark

-Selective eating and "safe" foods

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.

Pool-Party Drama and St. Patrick's Day Saves - Ep. 302 Apr 15, 2024

Show notes

In the special segment "Why Is My Kid Crying," Shanna and Laura analyze the things that have caused their little ones to melt down recently, including unexpectedly big feelings at pool parties, school fundraising events and more! Also, Shanna reports on her family's last-minute St. Patrick's Day celebration, and Laura talks about attending a local event that captured the heart of her five-year-old. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 3 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-St. Patrick's Day traditions with kids

-Leprechaun traps

-Cherry blossom festival

-Fundraising for school events

-Pool parties

-Ads targeted at kids

-Sensitive children

-When your kid has high blood pressure

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 if My Son Wants to Wear "Girl" Clothes? - Ep. 301 Apr 08, 2024

Show notes

In the special segment "Mom Confessions," Laura and Shanna divulge their hilarious and embarrassing parenting moves recently, including using an unexpected product from the medicine cabinets, having surprising feelings while shopping at a big-box store and more! Also, Laura talks about potty training her three-year-old, and Shanna reports on chaperoning a second-grade field trip. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 3 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-When is a good time to start potty training

-How to succeed at potty training

-Chaperoning your child's field trip

-Funny, embarrassing mom confessions

-The best shoes for kids

-Feeling pride at your child accomplishing a goal

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.

Shanna's Mom Tells All: A 300th-Episode Special - Ep. 300 Apr 01, 2024

Show notes

To celebrate their 300th episode, Laura and Shanna have invited Shanna's mom Janet on the show! In this very special "Throwback" segment, Janet takes us back to her pregnancy, birth and early parenthood with Shanna. She talks about being pregnant during an ice storm, moving cross-country with an infant, how Shanna was the opposite of what she expected her to be and more. She also shares funny and fond memories of her early motherhood and offers her best parenting advice. Also, Shanna gives an update on her daughters' progress with their new pom-pom reward system, and Laura reports on her 5-year-old's transition to a big-kid bed. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 3 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Rewarding your kids for their good behavior

-Transitioning your child to a big-kid bed

-The story of Shanna's birth

-Some of the best things about being a mom

-Advice about parenting from Shanna's mom

-Doing volunteer work with your kids

-Going on a field trip with your preschooler

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.

Laura's Mom Tells All: Motherhood Then vs. Now - Ep. 299 Mar 25, 2024

Show notes

To celebrate their 299th episode, Shanna and Laura have invited Laura's mom Susan on the show! In this very special "Throwback" segment, Susan takes us back to her pregnancy, birth and early parenthood with Laura. She talks about what kind of baby Laura was in utero and out, shares fond and funny memories of that time, offers her best parenting advice and more! Also, Laura reports on a group outing to Chuck E. Cheese, and Shanna shares her family's new house rules and reward system. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 3 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Going to Chuck E. Cheese with your kids

-Determining house rules with your kids

-Creating a reward system to improve your kids' behavior

-The story of Laura's birth

-Some of the best things about being a mom

-Advice about parenting from Laura's mom

-Taking baths with your kids

-Teaching your kids about sexuality and equality

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 Your Child Suddenly Gets Clingy - Ep. 298 Mar 18, 2024

Show notes

In the special segment "Stump the Moms," Shanna and Laura quiz each other on parenting-related trivia, diving into the topic of bizarre teething treatments and more! Also, Shanna reports on feeling conflicted about her 5-year-old's sudden clinginess, and Laura discusses her 5-year-old's newfound enthusiasm for writing. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 3 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Fostering independence in a clingy child

-5-year-old writing

-3-year-old yearly checkup

-Sea creature pregnancy/parenting facts

-Charlotte the Stingray

-Teething

-Great chapter books for young readers

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.

Preparing for Your Second Child with Erica Djossa - Ep. 297 Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

Laura and Shanna dive into the topic of how to prepare for your second child with Erica Djossa, CEO and founder of Momwell and the author of the upcoming book "Releasing the Mother Load: How to Carry Less and Enjoy Motherhood More." Erica answers listener questions about evening out the mental load before baby arrives, handling concerns about loving your new baby as much as your first, preparing for a second child after having experienced postpartum depression and anxiety the first time around and more. Also, Laura checks in about her family's rainy week, and Shanna reports on handling her 5-year-old's anxiety about riding on the softball parade float. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 3 years old.

Learn more about Erica Djossa!

Visit Erica's website

Order Erica's book

Follow Erica's Instagram

Listen to Erica's Podcast

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Losing items at school

-Handling your child's anxiety and clingy behavior

-Preparing for a second child

-How to even out the mental load before your second child arrives

-Feeling guilt that you can't give as much to your second child as you did your first

-Preparing for your second child when you experienced postpartum depression and anxiety the first time around

-How can you show your kids equal love?

-Kids filming dramatic scenes

-Feeling sad that you never had a son

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.

Releasing the Mother Load with Erica Djossa - Ep. 296 Mar 04, 2024

Show notes

Laura and Shanna talk with Erica Djossa, CEO and founder of Momwell and the author of the upcoming book "Releasing the Mother Load: How to Carry Less and Enjoy Motherhood More." They talk about strategies for reassessing our preconceived notions of motherhood, how to let go of the mental load that can often lead to burnout and more! Also, Shanna reports on her 8-year-old's off-the-wall birthday party, and Laura talks about her youngest son turning three and no longer being a toddler. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 8 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 3 years old.

Learn more about Erica Djossa!

Visit Erica's website

Order Erica's book

Follow Erica's Instagram

Listen to Erica's Podcast

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Kids' birthday parties

-Trampoline park

-Homemade birthday cake

-Third birthday

-Toddlers vs. preschoolers

-Mom mental load

-Maternal mental health

-Mom cognitive labor

-Early morning wakings

-Kids taking photos

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.

First-Time Disneyland Tips From a Disney Newb - Ep. 295 Feb 26, 2024

Show notes

In the special segment "Gripe Water," Shanna and Laura air their petty parenting grievances, sounding off about drones invading inappropriate spaces, shockingly complex kids' books and more! Also, Shanna reports on her family's very first trip to Disneyland, and Laura talks about the joint birthday party she had for her 3- and 5-year-old. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 7.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 2.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Kids' birthday parties

-Joint birthday parties

-Disneyland

-Drones spying on kids

-Best time for kids' birthday party

-Kids being know-it-alls

-Lego Ninjago

-Pokemon

-Kids getting too many gifts

-Changing your child's earrings for the first time

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.

Mother Phubbing: Is Your Phone Stealing Your Attention? - Ep. 294 Feb 19, 2024

Show notes

Laura and Shanna dive into the topics of mother phubbing, anosmia, smoke-detector mysteries and more in this week's special segment, "What I Googled This Week." Also, Shanna reports on her 8-year-old daughter's request to change her name, and Laura talks about finally getting Covid after four years of avoiding the virus. Finally, they share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 5 and 7.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 5 years old and 2.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Your child wanting to change their name

-5-year-old entering expressive phase

-Getting Covid as a parent

-Covid anosmia (aka Covid loss of smell)

-Using smartphones in front of kids

-Kids coloring pages and coloring skills

-Allowing kids to develop skills according to their own timeline

-Smoke detector safety

-Ghosts

-Birthday parties

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