The Best and Worst Parts of Parenting: Listener Q&A – Ep. 348

March 3, 2025

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In the special segment “Checkin’ the Inbox,” Shanna and Laura answer listener questions about the most rewarding and most challenging parts of parenting, the best kids’ books they’ve read recently, how to prevent getting peed on during a diaper change and more! Also, Shanna reports on the surprising reason she got a day off of parenting, and Laura discusses her moment of panic at Disneyland. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna’s kids are 6 and 9 years old, and Laura’s kids are 6 years old and 3.5 years old.

 

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Getting a day off from parenting

-Elle’s 9th birthday

-Sebastian’s 4th birthday

-Going to Disneyland with your family

-Best and worst parts of parenting during the newborn phase

-Best and worst parts of parenting during the toddler phase

-Best and worst parts of parenting during the school-age phase

-Great kids’ picture books and chapter books

-How to help your child transition from preschool to Kindergarten

-How to handle being an “old” parent

-How to avoid getting peed on by your baby boy during diaper changes

 

Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcast

Join our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.

Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.

Show Notes:

• "Itty Bitty Kitty Corn" by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham* An adorably illustrated picture books that Shanna and her girls love.
• "The Very Impatient Caterpillar" by Ross Burach* Ross Burach's series of picture books following this hilarious caterpillar-turn-butterfly is an absolute delight.
• "Junie B. Jones" by Barbara Park* This series of chapter books for early readers is fun for kids and parents. The main character is a delightfully quirky kindergartener (and then first grader) who tackles life at home and school with gusto.
• "Mercy Watson" by Kate DiCamillo and Chris Van Dusen* This chapter-book series has lots of colorful pictures that will keep your young reader amused. A great transition between picture books and chapter books.
• "Barkus" by Patricia MacLachlan and Marc Boutavant* Another great chapter book for little ones. With colorful pictures and cute storylines, it's a great bridge from picture books to chapter books.
• "Bird Rehearsal" by Jonah Winter and Stacy Innerst* A beautifully illustrated picture book that Shanna's girls love. They love emulating the bird songs and learning about which bird produces which sound.
• "The Missing Piece" by Shel Silverstein* This classic picture book is one of Laura's favorites.
• "Ada Twist, Scientist" by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts* Laura's boys have been loving this picture book that follows a curious second grader on her journey to answer questions using the scientific method.

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