Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting JourneyParenting

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey


Big Fat Positive: Pregnancy and Parenting (BFP)

Ep. 407: What's in Your Bag?

Mon, 20 Apr 2026

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: InstagramTikTok 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.


Ep. 406: Mom Hacks for Homework, Laundry, Lost Keys and More!

Mon, 13 Apr 2026

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


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.


Ep. 405: ADHD in Kids and Parents

Mon, 06 Apr 2026

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.


Ep. 404: Can I Get My Kids to Do Chores?

Mon, 30 Mar 2026

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:


Connect with Us


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.


Ep. 403: Tooth Talk, Jump Scares and FOMO

Mon, 23 Mar 2026

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:


Connect with Us


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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