Big Fat Positive: Pregnancy and Parenting (BFP)

Latest Episodes:

School-Auction Shockers and Kid Pranks - Ep. 412 May 25, 2026

Show notes

In the special segment "Out of Context," Laura and Shanna share random text messages they have sent or received that shed light on their parenting lives, including shocking elementary-school auction items, bizarre stovetop contraptions and more. Also, Shanna gives an update on her 7-year-old's daily medication routine, and Laura reports on a last-minute volunteering opportunity that turned into an hours-long commitment. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including an exciting new parenting support program and a long-awaited Disneyland milestone. Shanna's kids are 7 and 10 years old, and Laura's kids are 7 and 5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Helping your child get comfortable with a daily medicine routine

• Whether or not to use a reward system to help your child take medicine

• When volunteering at school becomes a whole "thing."

• What is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)?

• Picking your battles with neurodivergent kids

• Shockingly inappropriate items in a school auction

• Kids playing April Fools' Day pranks on their parents

• Disneyland height requirements and the fast pass card hack

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• UCLA PCIT Program - Parent-Child Interaction Therapy individual and group sessions

• Five Below - Shanna's treasure box supply sources

• Wheel of Names - Shanna's homework rotation system

• The Comeback - HBO show Laura watched while babysitting at Nora's

• The Traitors - Peacock reality show (Nora's murder mystery party theme)

• Highlights Magazine - Source of the April Fools' food prank activity

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 410 - Where Shanna talks about her struggle to get Cece to take her new daily medication

• Ep. 411 - Where Laura's BFP was the Long Beach Grand Prix

• Ep. 388 - Where Laura discussed switching the kids' schools

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: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com

• 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.

When Is It Time to Let Kids Quit an Activity? - Ep. 411 May 18, 2026

Show notes

Laura checks in on her 7-year-old's Little League season, and Shanna reports on a volunteer experience at her daughter's school that is somehow both underwhelming and overstimulating. Also, in the special segment "Loose Ends," Shanna and Laura give updates about topics they've talked about previously, including needy phases, screen time, hair care and more! Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including an exciting event in Southern California and an ordinary kitchen tool that can make food exciting for kids. 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:

• Letting your partner take the lead on kids' activities

• When your child refuses to go to their sports games and practices

• Volunteering at your kids' school

• Does Laura feel like switching her kids' school was worth it?

• Handling your child's needy/clingy phases

• Dealing with screen time setbacks

• Tips for managing fine hair

• Volunteering as team DJ

• Fixing a broken tooth

• Taking your kids to an exciting car racing event in Southern California

• How an ordinary kitchen tool can make food fun for kids

Products, links, and resources mentioned in this episode:

• Grand Prix of Long Beach

• OXO Peeler

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 388 - Laura shares her decision to switch her boys' schools.

• Ep. 392 - Laura discusses Sebastian's emotional/needy phase.

• Ep. 393 - Shanna talks about the fine hair subreddit.

• Ep. 395 - Laura reports on the PlayStation being introduced to her kids.

• Ep. 401 - Shanna talks about taking on the role of softball team DJ for the spring season.

• Ep. 408 - Shanna reports on losing a tooth crown while flossing.

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: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com

• 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.

Parenting Rage Bait and Starting ADHD Medication - Ep. 410 May 11, 2026

Show notes

Shanna and Laura talk bizarre pregnancy infographics and shockingly bad mom "hacks" in the special segment "Internet Insanity." Also, Shanna recounts a tumultuous week of getting her 7-year-old started on a new medication, and Laura reports on some unexpected news from her 5-year-old's ENT appointment. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a spontaneous neighborhood adventure and a long-overdue outing to a beloved Los Angeles children's museum. 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:

• Strategies for helping your child start a new, daily medication

• Navigating ADHD medication side effects and adjustments

• Figuring out if your child needs ear tubes put in

• What are adenoids, and why do kids get them removed?

• Terrible AI-generated health content online

• Questionable parenting "hacks" on Facebook

• Getting out of a rut: "capital A activities" for kids in Los Angeles

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• The ADHD Parenting Podcast

• Ruchi Singh - Facebook creator of terrible AI pregnancy posts

• Questionable kids' natural makeup hack

• Questionable swim diaper hack

• Hopia Like It - Filipino bakery Shanna discovered on a neighborhood walk with Cece

• KidSpace Children's Museum - Laura's BFP outing in Pasadena

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 405 - Where Shanna and Laura talk about ADHD

• Ep. 402 - Where Laura talks about taking Sebastian to the ENT to discuss the status of his ear tubes at age 5

• Ep. 266 - Where Laura reports on Sebastian's ear tube surgery at age 2

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: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com

• 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.

Impulsive Decisions: The Consequences of Jumping to Action - Ep. 409 May 04, 2026

Show notes

Laura reports on her family's rocky journey home from Mexico and the effects it had on her kids, and Shanna talks about how her daughter's adorable Easter egg hunt took an unexpected turn. Also, in the special segment "Throwback," Shanna shares two stories about how her impulsive decisions as a child disrupted her family's vacations. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a long-overdue errand Laura finally checked off her list and a spontaneous project Cece took on that made Shanna's heart sing. 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:

• How to keep your kids occupied during a long travel day

• Handling sibling jealousy during spring break

• Taking kids to birthday parties when they're overtired and dysregulated

• Sending your kids to day camp during school breaks

• Impulsive childhood decisions

• When best-laid vacation plans go wrong

• Letting your child take ownership of a project

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Johnny Rockets (Restaurant in the Cancun airport)

• "Meat tenderizer in the acute treatment of imported fire ant stings" - Article from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1987

• Pinetop, Arizona - Where Shanna's family vacationed

• Best Jewelry and Watch Repair, Glendale — Laura's ring resizing recommendation

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 386 - Where Shanna shares the hack of keeping an Oh Shit kit in your car

• Ep. 397 - Where Shanna talks about her girls attending "field trip" camp over winter break

• Ep. 408 - Where Laura shares a Throwback story about the time her family went on vacation to an all-inclusive Club Med resort in Mexico

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: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com

• 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's Teenage Club Med Trip (Throwback) - Ep. 408 Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

In the special segment "Throwback," Laura recounts a family trip to Club Med in Mexico when she was 13 that involved hypnosis, trapeze and forbidden love. Also, Shanna faces the consequences of packing too many family plans into one Saturday, and Laura shares the revelation that allowed her to fully enjoy her family's spring-break trip to Mexico. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including late-night tooth trauma and more. 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:

• Over-planning your weekend (and paying the price)

• Travelling with a selective/picky eater

• Vacationing at an all-inclusive resort with kids

• Growing up at 13: crushes, trapeze, and the last family trip before everything changed

• Dog training: getting the whole family on the same page

• Dental health hacks for people who hate flossing

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya - The all-inclusive resort Laura and fam stayed at during their vacation in Mexico

• Agoutis - the cute critters Laura's family saw during their trip

• Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 toothbrush - The toothbrush Laura uses that gets her a gold star at the dentist

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 281 - Where Laura shares a Throwback story about the time her family found what they thought was a baby osprey while vacationing on the Jersey shore.

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: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com

• 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.

What's Really in a Mom's Bag? - Ep. 407 Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

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: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com

• 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.

Mom Hacks for Homework, Laundry and Lost Keys - Ep. 406 Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

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:

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: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com
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.

ADHD in Kids and Parents: Signs, Testing and Treatment - Ep. 405 Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

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: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com

• 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.

Getting Kids to Do Chores (Without Losing It) - Ep. 404 Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

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:

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: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com
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.

My Kid's First Cavity Filling: What Happened at the Dentist - Ep. 403 Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

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:

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: contact@bigfatpositivepodcast.com
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.

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