NeeDoh Squishy Toys and Secret Tween Chat Rooms - Ep. 432

In this week’s “Internet Insanity” segment, Shanna breaks down the NeeDoh squishy toy craze that’s led to store fights, police involvement and a 243% spike in poison control calls, and Laura finally solves a months-long mystery about the bot-like comments appearing on the show's Spotify episodes. Also, fall activities ramp up for Shanna’s family, while Laura rides an unexpected wave of productivity around the house. They also share this week’s BFPs and BFNs.

Kids' ages: Shanna's kids are 7.5 and 10.5 years old, and Laura's kids are 7.5 and 5.5 years old.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The NeeDoh squishy toy craze, explained

• Why fidget toys took off the way they did

• How to repair a split squishy toy

• Why podcast comment sections are full of strange messages

• Volunteering for your kid’s sports team

• Getting a dimmer switch and warmer bulbs for a calmer bedtime

• When to DIY and when to hire it out

• Earning a toy with a points system

• Buying secondhand instead of new

• Getting kids to clean up by turning it into a contest

• Mosquitoes in Los Angeles and Skeeter syndrome

Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:

• NeeDoh by Schylling

• This American Life, episode 897: “Intergenerational Space Travel”

• TaskRabbit

• Mosquito Dunks

• Gorilla Glue clear silicone sealant

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

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