Big Fat Positive: Pregnancy and Parenting (BFP)

Ep. 409: Impulsive Decisions

Mon, 04 May 2026

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.

Ep. 408: Land Cruise

Mon, 27 Apr 2026

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.

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: 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.

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

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.

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