The Parenting Experience with Tata

Welcome to The Parenting Experience, a cozy space where we're growing together. A place where family, stories, advice, laughter, some tears and a lot of love come together. I'm Tata- a behavioral therapist and mom, and I'm here to help you through the joys and challenges of parenthood. Whether you're sleepless from the newborn phase, navigating the toddler years, or dealing with picky eaters and tantrums, this podcast is your safe space. We'll cover everything from sleep training and potty training to infertility, adoption, and beyond. Every week, we'll tackle your biggest parenting questions with expert insights, practical advice, and a few special guests who have been there. So if you're looking for guidance, support, and real-talk about raising kids, join me every Wednesday. Let's figure this parenting thing out together! Find The Parenting Experience available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. You can also find us on social media @theparentingexperience

  1. 25 JAN

    #10. 3 Easy Steps to Praise Your Child in a Productive Way

    Episode #10: In this episode of "The Parenting Experience," the host emphasizes the importance of praise in shaping children's behavior, particularly focusing on two types of praise: everyday praise and strategic praise. Everyday praise is described as loving and natural encouragement, while strategic praise is used to foster specific behaviors such as listening and following directions. The host shares personal insights and practical tools for parents to implement effective praise, highlighting the significance of enthusiasm, specificity, and nonverbal communication in their approach.  The conversation also touches on the host's personal journey with her son Asher, who faced speech delays. Through consistent and heartfelt praise, she was able to build a connection and encourage communication, demonstrating that praise can be a powerful tool in parenting. The episode concludes with a reminder that simplicity and consistency are key in using praise effectively, encouraging parents to start incorporating these practices into their daily routines. Chapters:  00:00 Welcome and New Year Reflections 01:31 Understanding Praise: Everyday vs. Strategic 04:51 Three Parts of Effective Praise 10:00 What to Avoid in Praise 11:41 The Impact of Praise on Behavior 14:39 Personal Journey: Asher's Story 19:16 Final Thoughts on Praise and Consistency You can also find us on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube @theparentingexperience

    18 min
  2. 14 JAN

    [Replay] Episode #1: Getting to Know TATA!

    Episode #1: Raised amidst the vibrant culture of Barranquilla, Colombia, I, Tatiana, or Tata as my friends call me, faced a life marked by both love and challenge. My journey to the United States, sparked by a devastating heartbreak, unfolded into a path of unexpected trials and profound self-discovery. In our inaugural podcast episode, I share the complexities of growing up with an abusive, alcoholic father and the pivotal support of my two brothers. Through this narrative, I unveil how therapy and setting boundaries have helped me nurture a respectful relationship with my father, fueling my passion for supporting others in creating loving family environments. A significant turning point in my life came with a thyroid cancer diagnosis, just 18 months after moving to the U.S., as I juggled health battles and my mother's painful divorce. With the unwavering support of my endocrinologist, Carlos Coelho, I embarked on a path of self-love and recovery, learning to embrace my voice both literally and metaphorically. This transformative period in my life became a catalyst for my mission to inspire others, proving that strength can be found in the face of adversity, and that sharing our stories can illuminate the path for others. Embracing motherhood through fostering and adoption has been another incredible facet of my journey. Together with my husband, Mark, and united by our shared love for basketball, we faced the heartache of infertility before discovering the joy of building a family through adoption. Our family's story, including welcoming Nikki, a courageous young woman with pancreatic cancer, underlines the resilience and unconditional love that define family beyond biological ties. As you listen to our experiences, we hope to foster a community of hope and encouragement, showing that no matter the path, there is always light and purpose in the journey of parenthood. Chapters: (00:00) The Parenting Experience Podcast Launch (11:55) Overcoming Thyroid Cancer and Self-Love (22:03) Healing Past Trauma and Finding Purpose (31:56) The Path to Motherhood Journey (39:42) Journey to Motherhood and Adoption (49:32) The Power of Adoption and Resilience You can also find us on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube @theparentingexperience

    1h 2m
  3. 10/12/2025

    #7. Living Life Fully: Lessons from Cancer with Elissa Kalver

    Episode #7: In this episode, Tatiana and Elissa discuss the challenges and triumphs of parenting while navigating a cancer diagnosis. Elissa shares her personal journey with metastatic breast cancer, the impact on her motherhood, and the importance of community support. They explore the balance between self-care and parenting, the significance of open communication with children, and how to find joy in everyday moments. Elisa also introduces her nonprofit initiative, which provides a unique gift registry for cancer patients, emphasizing the need for connection and support during difficult times. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the multifaceted experience of navigating cancer treatment, focusing on the importance of support systems, the often-overlooked role of caregivers, and the emotional complexities of maintaining intimacy and connection during challenging times. They also explore the impact of grief on family dynamics, the significance of living with purpose, and the importance of open communication in parenting through cancer. The discussion emphasizes the need for community support and the value of sharing personal experiences to foster connection and understanding. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Parenting Insights 01:06 Elissa's Journey with Cancer and Motherhood 05:48 Navigating Parenting Challenges During Illness 11:58 Finding Balance in Parenting and Self-Care 17:50 The Importance of Community and Support 23:47 Understanding Cancer and Its Impact on Family 30:13 Living Life with Purpose and Perspective 35:47 The Gift Registry for Cancer Patients 42:24 Navigating Support During Cancer Treatment 45:50 The Caregiver's Journey 49:07 Intimacy and Connection in Tough Times 53:05 Grief and Family Dynamics 57:42 Living with Purpose and Facing Mortality 01:01:51 Parenting Through Cancer 01:07:44 Closing Thoughts and Resources Follow Elissa @elissakalver and @wegotthisorg  You can also find us on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube @theparentingexperience

    1h 16m
  4. 03/12/2025

    #6. Divorce, Infertility and Adoption with Tata's Husband!

    Episode #6: Join us for an insightful and heartwarming journey as we explore the dynamics of relationships, marriage, and parenthood with my special guest, my husband, Mark. We kick off the episode with lighthearted tales of our contrasting holiday spirits, where Mark embraces his playful role as the Grinch to my enthusiastic Christmas celebrations. Our conversation meanders through our unique love story, beginning with our blind date where Mark humorously recalls his initial nervousness. We reflect on the inspiration drawn from Mark's parents' 65-year marriage, offering insights into love, commitment, and the humorous side of navigating life together. Listen in as we share the challenges and triumphs of our family journey, from dealing with miscarriages and infertility to our rewarding path toward adoption and foster parenting. Through personal anecdotes, we discuss the emotional healing and courage required to explore alternative paths to parenthood. The episode also highlights the cultural blend of our backgrounds, from Mark's only-child upbringing to my large Colombian family, revealing humorous moments and heartfelt stories of blending two worlds into one loving family. Our discussion doesn't shy away from the trials we've faced, such as our son's health challenges and the strain it placed on our marriage. Through candid storytelling, we talk about the importance of seeking support and the transformative power of counseling, particularly with guidance from Pastor Mac. We also share our passion for community giving, touching on the joy of spreading holiday cheer and the profound belief that giving is better than receiving. As we wrap up, you'll hear delightful moments with our child, Asher, as he shares his love for Christmas and the spirit of giving, rounding off a conversation that underscores the power of love, resilience, and community. Chapters: (00:00) Parenting Experience Podcast Interview (10:02) Family, Marriage, and Motherhood Journey (17:55) Journey to Adoption and Parenthood (30:12) Marriage and Parenthood Commitment (33:43) Navigating Challenges in Marriage and Parenthood (43:24) Navigating Marriage Challenges With Pastor's Guidance (57:45) Navigating Life's Demands and Giving Spirit (01:01:24) Community Giving and Holiday Spirit (01:14:38) Spreading Holiday Cheer With Kindness You can also find us on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube @theparentingexperience

    1h 21m

About

Welcome to The Parenting Experience, a cozy space where we're growing together. A place where family, stories, advice, laughter, some tears and a lot of love come together. I'm Tata- a behavioral therapist and mom, and I'm here to help you through the joys and challenges of parenthood. Whether you're sleepless from the newborn phase, navigating the toddler years, or dealing with picky eaters and tantrums, this podcast is your safe space. We'll cover everything from sleep training and potty training to infertility, adoption, and beyond. Every week, we'll tackle your biggest parenting questions with expert insights, practical advice, and a few special guests who have been there. So if you're looking for guidance, support, and real-talk about raising kids, join me every Wednesday. Let's figure this parenting thing out together! Find The Parenting Experience available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. You can also find us on social media @theparentingexperience

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