Parenting isn’t about fixing problems – it’s about preventing them.
Parent Coaching for Preventive, Thoughtful Parenting
Raising children is challenging—not because you’re doing it wrong, but because parenting is complex, constantly changing, and rarely comes with clear answers. Even capable, thoughtful parents can find themselves stuck reacting to the same problems over and over again.
Parent coaching gives you a space to step back, think clearly, and plan intentionally—before challenges escalate. Rather than focusing only on what’s going wrong in the moment, we look at patterns, expectations, routines, and values that shape daily family life.
My approach to parent coaching is preventive, practical, and collaborative. Together, we work to:
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Understand what’s driving your child’s behavior
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Identify small changes that reduce friction and stress
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Design strategies that fit your family, not someone else’s system
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Build confidence so you’re not constantly second-guessing yourself
As a licensed psychologist and former school leader, I bring a systems-level perspective to parenting—combining developmental insight, real-world experience, and an appreciation for the realities of busy family life. Parent coaching is available both locally (DC metro area) and virtually, and can be short-term or ongoing depending on your needs.
You don’t need a crisis to benefit from coaching. Often, the most meaningful changes happen when we address problems early—while they’re still manageable.
Family Systems & Organization
Sibling Conflict & Rivalry
Clarifying Parenting Goals
Early Childhood Transitions
Parental Stress & Burnout
Parenting Tweens & Teens
School & Education Planning
Behavior without Power Struggles
Technology & Digital Boundaries
Hard Conversations with Kids
Start Here: Popular Parenting Reads
These pieces introduce a preventive approach to parenting—focused on understanding patterns, reducing friction, and thinking ahead.
Raising Children Is a Wicked Problem
Some parenting challenges don’t have clear solutions. Understanding why can reduce frustration—and help you stop blaming yourself when advice doesn’t stick.
Do You Want to Die on That Hill and Other Parenting Decisions
Not every battle is worth fighting. Learning how to choose which hills matter most can reduce conflict without giving up your values.
(Re)Designing Your Child’s Choices
Behavior often changes when the environment changes. Small design shifts can reduce power struggles and make better choices easier for everyone.
ONLINE COURSE: Dealing with Temper Tantrums and Other Behavioral Challenges
Temper tantrums can be hard to deal with. They stress us out and we get embarrassed when others see us and our child at our worst. Learn concrete strategies to help manage your child’s behavior when it goes off the rails.
About Ari
I’m Ari Yares—a licensed psychologist, former school leader, rabbi, and father of four. My work focuses on helping parents think ahead, understand what’s driving behavior, and prevent small challenges from becoming bigger ones.
I’ve spent my career working at the intersection of children, families, and schools, and I’ve seen how often parenting struggles aren’t about lack of effort or care—but about navigating complex systems under real-world pressure. I believe parenting works best when we stop reacting to every problem and start designing thoughtful, values-aligned solutions that fit family life as it actually is.
Contact Me
For emergencies, call 911 or visit your nearest hospital.