Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting JourneyParenting

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey

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Big Fat Positive: Pregnancy and Parenting (BFP)

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.


Ep. 402: Just You Wait

Mon, 16 Mar 2026

In the new special segment “Just You Wait,” Laura and Shanna flip the usual fear-mongering script about parenting older kids and share some of the things that get better as children grow up. Also, Shanna gives an update on Cece’s ear-piercing saga, and Laura reports on her 5-year-old's ENT appointment to discuss his ear tubes. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a family board game that turned out to be a huge hit and a delightfully bizarre piece of "junk mail." 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:

  • Following through on something scary and being proud of yourself
  • Going to the ENT to discuss ear tubes for your child
  • Using a digital otoscope at home
  • The things that get more fun and entertaining as kids get older
  • The joy of kids becoming more independent with snacks and bedtime reading
  • Sweet ways older kids show love and affection
  • How much easier life gets when you can leave the room without constant worry
  • Watching your child stick with an activity and build real skills over time
  • A family board game that helps kids practice money skills
  • A hilarious prank-mail


Products, links, and 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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