Ep. 398: Embracing "Mom Mode"

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 yourselfGoing to the ENT to discuss ear tubes for your childUsing a digital otoscope at homeThe things that get more fun and entertaining as kids get olderThe joy of kids becoming more independent with snacks and bedtime readingSweet ways older kids show love and affectionHow much easier life gets when you can leave the room without constant worryWatching your child stick with an activity and build real skills over timeA family board game that helps kids practice money skillsA hilarious prank-mail Products, links, and resources mentioned in this episode:Digital otoscopeThe Allowance GameLakeshore LearningCoin rollersAlan Wagner on InstagramTrueWagner.comPast BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:Ep. 401 - Where Shanna originally takes Cece to get her ear piercedConnect with UsFollow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcastJoin our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.comEmail us: [email protected] us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcastIf 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.

In the special segment "Why Is My Kid Crying?," Shanna and Laura explore the things that have brought out the waterworks in their little ones recently, including situations in the distant past that seem to have induced an anxiety attack and a jealousy-induced meltdown. Also, Laura is skeptical about her son's newest extracurricular activity, and Shanna is surprised by the incident that leaves her daughter looking "like a pirate." Finally, the moms wrap up with their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a joyous celebration at the park and a volunteer position that actually sounds fun. Shanna’s kids are 10 and 7 years old, and Laura’s kids are 7 and 5 years old.Topics discussed in this episode:Signing your kid up for an extracurricular activity that requires a big time commitmentDads taking the lead on planning activities for the kidsGetting your kids' ears piercedHandling your child's anxiety and allowing them to make their own decisions about their bodyCan a traumatic situation that happened when your child was a baby or toddler still affect them?When your child feels extreme jealousy toward their siblingNavigating your kids' big feelings about something seemingly trivialSetting rules about screen time and how your kids handle those rulesHaving a joint birthday party for your kidsVolunteering for your kids' extracurricular activityProducts, links, resources mentioned in this episode:Little League2023 Writers StrikeThe SimpsonsPast BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:Ep. 271 - Where Laura talks about how the Writers' Strike is affecting her familyConnect with UsFollow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcastJoin our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.comEmail us: [email protected] us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcastIf 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 and Shanna celebrate their 400th episode of "Big Fat Positive" with a very special "Checkin' the Inbox" segment, in which they answer listener questions sent in via voice memo! They dive into the topics of baby naming, deciding whether to have a second child, the parenting “rules” they swore they’d never break and more! Also, Shanna recaps Elle’s 10th birthday celebrations, and Laura shares a sweet sibling moment during Sebastian’s 5th birthday trip. Finally, the moms wrap up with their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a party activity that will excite all your guests and an ingenious way to brush up on your foreign-language skills during your kids' bedtime. Shanna’s kids are 10 and 7 years old, and Laura’s kids are 7 and 5 years old.Topics discussed in this episode:Celebrating 400 episodes of Big Fat PositiveBig birthday milestonesHow the podcast has changed our livesHandling the decision about going from having more than one childBaby names we loveFun ideas for your kids' birthday partiesGraphic novels to read with your kidsA unique idea for brushing up on your foreign-language skillsProducts, links, resources mentioned in this episode:Speakpipe - Leave us a voice message!Doc Martens Girls' Sparkly Black BootsIndiana Jones ride at Disneyland"The Ghost Ship That Didn't Carry Us" by Cheryl StrayedClawsome claw machine rentals for events"Ghosts" by Raina Telgemeier"Fantasmas" by Raina TelgemeierPast BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:Ep. 399 - Where Shanna talks about the name Elara JaneEp. 396 - Where Laura surprises Auggie with a birthday trip to DisneylandConnect with UsFollow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcastJoin our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.comEmail us: [email protected] us a voice message: speakpipe.com/bfppodcastIf 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.

In the special segment “Internet Insanity,” Shanna and Laura share the wild and wacky content they've found online recently, including a baby name that has risen to fame for a surprising reason and a mom-group breakup of epic proportions. Also, Laura shares how a Percy Jackson obsession turned into a spontaneous after-school trip with her kids, and Shanna talks about the device that enabled her 9-year-old to arrange her own play date. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including family outings at two Los Angeles landmarks, one beautiful and one bizarre. Shanna’s kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 7 years old and 4.5 years old.Topics discussed in this episode:A spontaneous after-school adventure with your kidsWhen your kid starts planning their own social life Giving your child a “just enough” phone for safety and texting friends2025's name of the year and what it says about baby naming trendsToxic mom-group drama, celebrity editionKeeping longtime friendships going as parentsFun, unusual day trips around Los Angeles with kidsProducts, links, resources mentioned in this episode:Percy Jackson book seriesPercy Jackson series on Disney+Percy Jackson end creditsGriffith ObservatoryTracfone"The 2025 Name of the Year is Elara" by Laura Wattenberg"How a ‘Splash’ Joke Led to the ‘Madison’ Baby Name Boom"Perez Hilton"Breaking Up With My Toxic Mom Group" by Ashley Tisdale French"Matthew Koma (Hilary Duff's husband) getting in on the 'mom group' drama"Huntington GardensOld Los Angeles Zoo in Griffith ParkPast BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:Ep. 397 - Where Shanna's kids go to "field trip" campEp. 305 - Where Sebastian fell and got a gash on his nose at the Huntington GardensConnect with UsFollow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcastJoin our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.comEmail us: [email protected] 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.

In the special segment “Mom Wins,” Laura and Shanna celebrate their recent parenting achievements, including a clever chemistry-based solution that saved bath time and a surprising moment of jumping into action to help a stranger. Also, Shanna checks in about adjusting to a new chapter now that the kids are back at school and she must figure out what’s next after leaving her job, while Laura shares an unexpected weekend saga that took a sharp turn. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week, including a full agenda “mommy camp” day and a new hobby that’s quickly becoming a kid’s entire personality. Shanna’s kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 7 years old and 4.5 years old.Topics discussed in this episode:Adjusting to life after leaving your job and figuring out what's nextGiving yourself permission to have a “fallow period” after a big work/life shiftHandling your kid's sudden and mysterious medical symptoms while far from homeSolving kid “fairness” problems before they become full-blown meltdownsCitric acid: what it is, how to use it and why Laura swears by itWhen motherhood changes how you respond in an urgent situationPlanning an all-day outing with kids to avoid a wide-open day at homeWatching your kid fall in love with a new hobbyProducts, links, resources mentioned in this episode:Piccle P street artistChuck E. Cheese Fun PassBath Bomb Potion KitCitric AcidTrails CafeJesse Owens ParkZootopia 2Guitar NinjasFender Squier 3/4-size electric guitarGuitar strings mnemonicsPast BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:Ep. 397 - Where Laura talks about the bath potions as her BFP for the weekEp. 384 - Where Sebastian wonders why Laura didn't marry Tom York of RadioheadConnect with UsFollow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcastJoin our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.comEmail us: [email protected] 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.

In the special segment “Stump the Moms,” Laura and Shanna quiz each other about old-school pregnancy tests, the shocking resale value of kids' toys, the cost of giving birth in the 1950s and more! Also, Laura reports on the sweet relief of her kids returning to school after winter break and her 4-year-old getting his first eye exam, and Shanna talks about the surprising result of sending her kids to a week-long "field trip" camp. Finally, they wrap up with their weekly BFPs and BFNs, including a toy that will excite your kids for bath time and a sweet local event that will inspire you to check the activity calendar at your local library. Shanna’s kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 7 years old and 4.5 years old.Topics discussed in this episode:Returning to school after a long winter breakWhat to do with your kids during an extended winter breakHow long, busy days outside of the house affect your child's mood and regulationHow much did it cost to have a baby in the 1950sWhy are some LEGO sets so expensive?What was the first pregnancy test like?What kids' toy was originally created for adults?How many LEGO bricks are there in the world?A fun bath toy for kids that Laura lovesA fun, local, free activity that Shanna took her kids toProducts, links, resources mentioned in this episode:"It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" by Bing CrosbyInfantSEE - Infant eye exam program Steve & Kate's CampGlendale Central LibrarySkyZone Trampoline Park"How Much Does It Cost to Have a Baby Now?"Ole Kirk's LEGO HouseLEGO Unicef VanStar Wars Death Star LEGO setThe Rabbit Test"10 Wacky Facts About Play-Doh That Will Amaze You"Bath Bomb Potion KitBARK Reading DogsConnect with UsFollow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcastJoin our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.comEmail us: [email protected] 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.

In the special segment “What I Googled This Week,” Shanna and Laura reveal the funny and embarrassing things they've asked the internet recently, including a ridiculously juvenile question about astronomy and an out-of-the-ordinary query about a popular theme park. Also, Shanna checks in about a major life transition happening during a chaotic holiday week, and Laura talks about the big surprise she planned for Auggie's 7th birthday. Finally, they wrap up with their weekly BFPs and BFNs, including an outing that made the kids feel like they’d entered a magical new world and a holiday family tradition. Shanna’s kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 7 years old and 4.5 years old.Topics discussed in this episode:Experiencing a big work/life change while still in full holiday-parent modeStruggling to get your kids to take medicineAuggie's 7th birthdayPulling off a big surprise for your kidTips for going to Disneyland in the rainWhat's the right way to pronounce “Uranus”Do kids these days go to bookstores?Taking your family to a fun holiday light showProducts, links, resources mentioned in this episode:Disneyland California resident ticket deal“We Don’t Wear Ears” (Disney tips Instagram account)Waterproof stroller coverInsoles for rain bootsMEL Magazine article about UranusThe Open Book bookstoreThe Last BookstoreDescanso Gardens Enchanted LightsPast BFP episodes referenced in this episode:Ep. 364 (Where Shanna teaches Cece how to swallow pills)Ep. 257 (Where Shanna struggles to get Cece to take medication)Connect with UsFollow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcastJoin our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.comEmail us: [email protected] 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.

In the special segment "Gripe Water," Shanna and Laura share the hilariously petty parenting problems that have been bothering them lately, diving into the topics of stroller envy and screen time. Also, Laura reports on the people, gifts and baked goods that made her Christmas special, and Shanna talks about managing a hectic, cooped-up holiday week with a sick kid. Finally, they wrap up with their weekly BFPs and BFNs, including a fun family outing and an indoor activity that unexpectedly became a big hit. Shanna’s kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.Topics discussed in this episode:A low-key, rainy Christmas week and what it’s like hosting visiting family (and dogs)Parenting your sick child during the holidaysStroller envy: missing the days when you had a mobile cart for all your kid gearManaging kids’ video game obsession, meltdowns, and tough transitionsProducts, links, resources mentioned in this episode:Harry Potter Lego setsFive Nights at Freddy's kids costumeCaptain America kids costumeAir drum sticksAmerica's Test Kitchen gingerbread cookiesPottery wheel for kidsSchool kit from Lakeshore LearningNex PlaygroundChemex carafeCuisanart water kettleHulken bagPickwick Ice CenterRansom Notes gameConnect with UsFollow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcastJoin our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.comEmail us: [email protected] 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.

In the special segment "Never Have I Ever: Parenting Edition," Laura and Shanna reveal the unexpected things they've never done before having kids, including a desperate attempt to complete a puzzle in inclement weather and a disturbing doctor's appointment that ended in tears. Also, Shanna talks about her attempts to have a low-key Christmas, and Laura reports on her family's festive week of ice dancing and dreidel spinning. Finally, they share their BFPs or BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.Topics discussed in this episode:Last-minute holiday decorating and keeping expectations lowA kid getting sick right before Christmas and deciding when to go to urgent careTaking your kids to festive holiday eventsCelebrating Hanukkah with friendsWhen you realize you are doing something wacky and unreasonable as a parentTough doctor visits with kidsNavigating fear, consent and advocating for your child in a medical settingHow kids misunderstand medical “threats” and why wording mattersA funny public moment involving a kids’ character and an unexpected song choiceVolunteering at your kid's school and reading a funny picture book to your kid's classA parenting win: getting your kid re-engaged in an extracurricular activityProducts, links, resources mentioned in this episode:Disney on IceHow to Play DreidelKanoodle - Brain Teaser PuzzleMuseum of IllusionsBlippi"Fat Bottomed Girls" by Queen"The Book That Almost Rhymed" by Omar AbedPast BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:Ep. 379 - (Shanna talks about going to the Museum of Illusions)Ep. 358 - (Laura talks about Auggie quitting parkour and starting jiu-jitsu)Connect with UsFollow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcastJoin our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.comEmail us: [email protected] 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.

In the special segment "Dear Past Me," Shanna and Laura give their former selves parenting advice based on what they know now, including wisdom about sentimental baby items and encouragement to advocate for yourself in the early days of new motherhood. Also, Laura manages to get her reluctant kids to go on an urban adventure, and Shanna celebrates her daughter's 7th birthday and travels to Phoenix with her family for a celebration-of-life event. Finally, they share their BFPs or BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 7 and 9.5 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6.5 years old and 4.5 years old.Topics discussed in this episode:Finding outdoor adventures close to home for your familyThe difficulty of transitions with kidsAttending a memorial/celebration of life and what it’s like to do meaningful rituals with kidsReflections on early parenting choices and what we wish we could tell our younger selvesWhy keeping up with milestone keepsakes for all your kids is importantNavigating career and creativity opportunities as a new momAnti-mom bias at work and within creative spaces, and why advocating for yourself mattersKids exploring the performing arts and the joy of seeing them come alive creativelyFinding helpful online communities and learning new routines that are rewardingProducts, links, resources mentioned in this episode:Flint Peak Trail"Big Fish" movieThe Baby-Sitter's Club #33: "Claudia and the Great Search""Flashback" (Shanna's short film)Shanna's WebsiteFine Hair SubredditPomeranian SubredditPast BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:Ep. 283 - (Laura discusses Auggie's reluctance to participate in his school's theater production)Ep. 285 - (Laura reports on Auggie's refusal to participate in the theater production on the day of the show)Ep. 374 - (Laura talks about her boys getting excited about their hiking "costumes" in Portland)Ep. 376 - (Shanna talks about her stepdad's passing)Connect with UsFollow us on social: Instagram, TikTok or Facebook at @bfppodcastJoin our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.Visit our website: bigfatpositivepodcast.comEmail us: [email protected] 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.