About this episode

Laura and Shanna discuss the positive aspects of parenting older kids while sharing personal updates and recommendations.

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…

Topics covered

• 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

More episodes of Big Fat Positive: Pregnancy and Parenting (BFP)

• Ep. 407: What's in Your Bag? · April 20, 2026 · 50 min
• Ep. 406: Mom Hacks for Homework, Laundry, Lost Keys and More! · April 13, 2026 · 1h 0m
• Ep. 405: ADHD in Kids and Parents · April 6, 2026 · 1h 15m
• Ep. 404: Can I Get My Kids to Do Chores? · March 30, 2026 · 55 min
• Ep. 403: Tooth Talk, Jump Scares and FOMO · March 23, 2026 · 45 min
• Ep. 401: Haunted by the Past · March 9, 2026 · 56 min

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