Big Fat Positive: Pregnancy and Parenting (BFP)

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 separation
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: [email protected]
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.

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:
Kallaloo! A Caribbean Tale
Stone Soup folk story
Trader Joe's
Disney Adults
Sushi rolling mats
Grim Grinning Ghosts song from the Haunted Mansion ride

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:
Ep. 381 - Where Shanna introduces the "Cat Bucks" reward system

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: [email protected]
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.

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:
Rainbow Loom kit
Wizard of Oz at the Sphere
Mad Apple

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:
Ep. 402 - Where Laura learns about the Ear Tube Fairy

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: [email protected]
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.

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:
Digital otoscope
The Allowance Game
Lakeshore Learning
Coin rollers
Alan Wagner on Instagram
TrueWagner.com

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:
Ep. 401 - Where Shanna originally takes Cece to get her ear pierced

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: [email protected]
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.

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 commitment
Dads taking the lead on planning activities for the kids
Getting your kids' ears pierced
Handling your child's anxiety and allowing them to make their own decisions about their body
Can a traumatic situation that happened when your child was a baby or toddler still affect them?
When your child feels extreme jealousy toward their sibling
Navigating your kids' big feelings about something seemingly trivial
Setting rules about screen time and how your kids handle those rules
Having a joint birthday party for your kids
Volunteering for your kids' extracurricular activity

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:
Little League
2023 Writers Strike
The Simpsons

Past BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:
Ep. 271 - Where Laura talks about how the Writers' Strike is affecting her family

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: [email protected]
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.