Ep. 376: Talking to Your Kids About Loss

In the special segment “Stump the Moms,” Shanna and Laura quiz each other with parenting-related trivia questions about gender representation in kids' books, the cost of high-end summer camps and more. Also, Shanna talks about the passing of a beloved family member, how she told her kids about the loss and how they processed their grief. Laura discusses the ups and downs of her 4-year-old's first week in TK at a new school. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.Topics discussed in this episode:-Telling your kids about the death of a family member-Surprising ways that kids process and handle grief-Easing your 4-year-old into their first week of elementary school ever-Fun facts about kids' books authors-Summer camp trends-Gendered characters in kids' books-Sensitive vs. resilient kids Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:-"Bears Will Be Boys: A data analysis of animal gender in children’s books" article in The Pudding -Port O'Pines Summer Camp-"The Orchid and the Dandelion: Why Some Children Struggle and How All Can Thrive" book by W. Thomas Boyce, M.D.-Different Pointe of View restaurantPast BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:-Ep. 375 (For the episode where Shanna talks about her family's trip to Phoenix)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 @bfppodcastJoin 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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Laura and Shanna reveal the funny and unusual things they've asked the internet recently in the special segment "What I Googled This Week," diving into the topics of puberty, kids' casinos, inappropriate words and more. Also, Laura reports on her family's action-packed week without childcare, and Shanna discusses how she handled taking her children on a trip to visit an ill grandparent. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.Topics discussed in this episode:-How to fill time with your kids during summer break-Fun things to do around LA with kids-Taking a family trip to visit an ill family member-How to tell my child that their grandparent is sick?-Questioning whether words and phrases are socially acceptable-Deep diving into the world's cutest animal-Educating your kids about puberty, periods and the menstrual cycle-Video-game strategy (for moms)Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:-Peterson Automotive Museum-La Brea Tar Pits-Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)-Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific-Free LA Philharmonic rehearsals at the Hollywood Bowl-LA East Side Parents Instagram Account-Bush babies jumping on TikTok-KPop Demonhunters Movie on Netflix-KPop Demonhunters Soundtrack on Spotify-Improvised Shakespeare CompanyThis 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 @bfppodcastJoin 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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the special segment "Gripe Water," Laura and Shanna share the hilariously petty parenting problems that have been bothering them lately, diving into the topics of volunteering, school-attendance policies, parties and more. Also, Shanna reports on the highs and lows of helping out at her kids' summer camp, and Laura discusses the surprising activity that captivated her kids on their recent vacation to Portland. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.Topics discussed in this episode:-Volunteering at your kids' events and activities-Hiring teachers/counselors as babysitters-Taking a summer vacation with kids to Portland, Oregon-Going to the most amazing pinball arcade-Going hiking with your kids-Setting boundaries when it comes to volunteering-Stringent school-attendance policies-Feeding your kids at parties-Frustrating experiences at kids' sports and extra-curricular activities-Back-to-school shopping with your kids-Taking your kids to an immersive art experienceProducts, links, resources mentioned in this episode:-Next Level Pinball Museum and Arcade-Forest Park in Portland-Hopscotch Immersive Art ExperiencePast BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:-Ep. 373 (For the episode where Laura determines that going to Portland every summer is her family's tradition)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 @bfppodcastJoin 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.bit.ly/bfp-initoSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Part 2 of “Checkin’ the Inbox,” Shanna and Laura answer more listener questions about everything from embryo storage to family traditions, to friend jealousy and more! Also, Laura reports on how her family managed a week without childcare after her kids finished preschool and camp for the summer, and Shanna talks about going to a mom meetup in an unexpected place. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4 years old.Topics discussed in this episode:-How do you manage work and childcare during the summer when your kids are out of school?-Managing work-life balance as a mom-Finding ways to connect with other parents at work-Did Shanna ever make a decision about what to do with her embryos?-Our favorite off-the-radar family traditions-Jealousy vs. FOMO with your adult friends-Some of our favorite TV shows of 2025-An excellent audiobook that Laura recommendsProducts, links, resources mentioned in this episode:-Menchies - The oft-mentioned frozen yogurt shop that Shanna and her kids love-"Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings" by Laura Markham-"What We Do in the Shadows"-"The Ultimatum: Queer Love"-"Severance"-"Dying for Sex"-"Dead Flowers" by J.M. PetrickPast BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:-Ep. 37 (For the first episode where Shanna talks about being unsure what to do with her frozen embryos)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 @bfppodcastJoin 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.bit.ly/bfp-initoSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the special segment "Checkin' the Inbox," Laura and Shanna answer listener questions about knowing when your toddler is officially potty trained, handling your kids' socially unacceptable habits, our worst bosses ever and more! Also, Shanna reports on the unexpected ending to a breakfast date with her 6-year-old, and Laura discusses the range of emotions involved in her 4-year-old's last week at preschool. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4 years old.Topics discussed in this episode:-Spending one-on-one time with your children-Kids' feelings vs. Mom's feelings about the last week of preschool-How do you know when your toddler is officially potty trained?-How do you handle your young kids' "annoying" habits?-What are BFRBs?-If we (and our kids) were vegetables, what would we be and why?-What does a podcast producer do?-The worst bosses that Laura and Shanna have had-The unexpected activity that had Shanna and Elle laughing hysterically-Mom's night out!Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:-"Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent" by Gia Gambaro Blount and Laura Birek-Laura and Gia's book on NetGalley - Get an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review-Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB)-What does an artichoke flower look like?-Potatoes - by Farideh-"Dork Diaries 12: Tales from a Not-So-Secret Crush Catastrophe" by Rachel Renée Russell-Kristen Schaal Is a Horse-RadioLab episode "Loops"-Jo Piazza-Under the Influence Podcast-"Everyone Is Lying to You" by Jo Piazza-Father's OfficePast BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:-Ep. 358 (For Laura's story about her ex-boyfriend)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 @bfppodcastJoin 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.bit.ly/bfp-initoSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the special segment "Never Have I Ever: Parenting Edition," Shanna and Laura reveal funny and unexpected things they've never done before having kids, including incidents that hurt their bodies as well as their egos. Also, Laura goes on an adventure with her mom friends that feels all wrong without her kids there, and Shanna eavesdrops on a conversation that ignites her competitive spirit. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4 years old.Topics discussed in this episode:-Taking a tour of the WB lot in Los Angeles-Feeling bad when you do fun things without your kids-When you realize other parents are taking children's activities very seriously-Doing scavenger hunts... in public... alone-Accidentally hurting yourself when you're a mom-How to wash LEGO-Seeing food delivery robots in your neighborhood-Wondering when your kid will be able to swim independentlyProducts, links, and resources mentioned in this episode:-Warner Bros. Studio Tour-Superman movie-Disney's Descendants-World Market-World Market scavenger hunt TikTok video-Nuna Rava car seat-Duet Cats: Cute Cat Game-Jingle Cats: Meowy ChristmasPast BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:-Ep. 358 (For Shanna's hack about washing small toys in the bathtub)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 @bfppodcastJoin 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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the special segment "Throwback," Laura recounts the time that her mom saw through the facade of Laura's toxic ex-boyfriend and planted a seed of doubt about their relationship. Also, Shanna talks about how going to a wedding with her kids involved flip-flops, blue lips, late-night cake and more, and Laura reports on a day-long excursion with her family to a quaint village on Catalina Island. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4 years old.Topics discussed in this episode:-Celebrating 4th of July with young kids-Taking a day trip with kids to Catalina Island-Going to a wedding with your kids-Laura's throwback story about a past relationship-Going on a shopping spree with your kidsProducts, links, resources mentioned in this episode:-Catalina Island-Two Harbors village on Catalina Island-Narcissistic Personality Disorder-Verbal abuse in relationshipsPast BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:-Ep. 369 (For Shanna's story about her mom giving Shanna her pants)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 @bfppodcastJoin 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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the special segment "Throwback," Shanna turns back time to tell the story of the time she made a mortifying mistake at her college job and turned to her mom for help. Also, Laura talks about the surprising incident that knocked out her 6-year-old's first tooth, and Shanna discusses how her daughters were seemingly typecast in their musical theater production. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4 years old.Topics discussed in this episode:-When your kid doesn't get a good role in their play-How much money does the Tooth Fairy give for a lost tooth?-Shanna's story about humiliating herself at her college office job-Parenting your kids when they make mistakes and learn lessons the hard way-Going to a sing-along movie screening with preschoolers-Having an unexpected celebrity sighting in Los Angeles-The best way to get gum out of your kid's hairProducts, links, resources mentioned in this episode:-Disney's "Descendants"-Core Power chocolate protein shakes that Auggie loves-Vidiots Non-Profit Video Store-"Encanto at the Hollywood Bowl" on Disney+-Stephanie Beatriz-TikTok from @mabrowsandhair about the BEST way to get gum out of hairPast BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:-Ep. 170 (For Shanna's story about removing permanent marker from her daughter's face)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 @bfppodcastJoin 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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the special segment "Today I Learned," Laura and Shanna discuss the intriguing things they have learned recently related to the world of parenting, including a mind-blowing fact about fetal DNA and the "otherworldly" origins of a popular personality assessment. Also, Shanna talks about her quest to celebrate her birthday while managing a migraine, and Laura reports on juggling work deadlines and child care during her 6-year-old's summer break. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6 years old and 4 years old.Topics discussed in this episode:-How to treat yourself on your birthday when you are a mom and have a migraine-Balancing work deadlines and parenting when you don't have child care-Does fetal DNA remain in a birth mom's bloodstream?-How do fetal stem cells in a birth mom's bloodstream benefit the mother?-What is the Cosmic Laboratory of Baby Training?-One of Shanna's new favorite picture books for kids-A thought-provoking idea that Laura came across in a fellow mom's SubstackProducts, links, and resources mentioned in this episode:-Burke Williams Day Spa-Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT)-The Cosmic Laboratory for Baby Training-Myers-Briggs Type Indicator-"The Personality Brokers: The Strange History of Myers-Briggs and the Birth of Personality Testing" by Merve Emre-Maintenance Phase podcast's episode on the Myers-Briggs Personality Test-"Buffalo Fluffalo" by Bess Kalb and Erin Kraan-Bess Kalb's Substack - "The Grudge Report"-Kira Cook's Substack - "The Way We Weren't"Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:-Ep. 367 (For Shanna's mammogram/breast biopsy check-in)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 @bfppodcastJoin 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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the special segment "Would You Rather: Parenting Edition," Shanna and Laura present hypothetical parenting situations then discuss which choices they would rather make, diving into the topics of clothing conundrums and park predicaments. Also, Shanna talks about her experience getting additional testing after her recent mammogram came back inconclusive, and Laura discusses her 6-year-old's last day of kindergarten. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6 and 4 years old.Topics discussed in this episode:-Saying goodbye to kindergarten-What happens when you get an inconclusive mammogram-Difficulty keeping clothes clean-Being confronted by strangers at the playground-When your kid has "shark teeth"-Summer campProducts, links, and resources mentioned in this episode:-Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) Classification Categories-What is a fibroadenoma?-Kids' "Shark Teeth"Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:-Ep. 340 (For Laura's mammogram check-in)-Ep. 361 (For Laura's breast ultrasound check-in)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 @bfppodcastJoin 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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.