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Child Development &
Parenting Specialist
I am an applied developmental psychologist, a university lecturer, and a researcher with over fifteen years of experience in infant typical and atypical development, parenting consultations and teacher support.
I have an extensive background in attachment theory, and specialize in evaluation of parenting styles, child social-emotional development and the regulation of emotions and behaviors.
In the recent years, my research work at the University of South Florida, has focused on co-parenting and emotion regulation of young children.
Throughout my career I have been helping parents nurture their young child's development through a supportive partnership and developing customized solutions, capitalizing on family strengths. I have worked with parents, teachers and young children in Israel and United States, providing family support and early intervention services.
Last, but certainly not least, I am a mother of two young children with whom each day I try to be a better parent.
My Approach
Developmental Partnership
Parenting is a journey of lessons: lessons to teach and lessons to learn. I firmly believe that parents are the best experts on their children: you know your child better than anyone else. Therefore, my role in your parenting journey is to help you find the best solutions to the challenges that inevitably arise.
Children often misbehave or may seem worried or sad. If this situation persists or escalates, you start feeling the negative effects as well. Instead of worrying or hoping that the situation will get better naturally, there is an easier way to improve it.
• If you need some practical skills and behavior-managing tools in your parenting toolbox,
• If you would like to have someone guide you through exactly what you need to understand your child and cope with these challenging moments,
• If you would like to improve the relationship with your child and create a closer bond with them that will last a lifetime,
Then you came to the right place!
I will work with you and your family as a team and help you not only to improve your child’s behavior but also improve your relationship in the long-term. Together we will be looking at your child’s behavior, what drives it and how the interplay between child’s developmental stage, temperament and early family experiences contribute to the root cause behind it.
We will then find the best fitting strategies for your child and your family, as we collaborate on possible solutions and adjustments. At every step, I will share progress updates so you can see how your child or teen is doing and make sure you have support between sessions, too. My goal is to make sure you have the ongoing support you need to feel more confident and efficient in your parenting.
When working with older children, pre-teens and adolescents, I combine direct coaching with your child and parental guidance to achieve the best results. Through establishment of a close, trusting relationship with your child, I will provide them with the safe space they need to open, explore their emotions, and learn new tools for facing life challenges. At the same time, I will guide you and provide the support and feedback that will be crucial in improving the relationship you have with your child.
Difference between Parenting Consultations and Therapy
Therapists are licensed to diagnose and treat behavioral health conditions, and they may dig dipper to understand the cause of the current challenge you are dealing with. The therapist’s job is to guide you to a deeper understanding and management of your mental health concerns.
A parenting consultant or coach, on the other hand, focuses more on the present and future — working with parents, kids, or teens to improve the wellbeing of the entire family. Parental consultation is a relationship focused on helping you become the parent you want to be for your children.
As a parent consultant and child coach, I do not provide therapy. My role is to provide education, support, and encouragement as you begin to implement new strategies and techniques in your home. While I bring my expertise in child development, you are the expert on your child. Together, we will work as a team and if it is needed or desired, I will also include direct coaching of your child to help them tackle challenges and develop skills they will use to thrive in the long-term. One of the main components in my work is to facilitate more effective parent-child communication and improve the relationships with your children, so that parenting can truly be a rewarding experience for you.
TESTIMONIALS
Parents Recommend
Michelle S.
“Yana gave us the tools we needed to support Ellie's growth and help her thrive”
Luke M.
“There is no parenting license so you really are not that prepared to deal with all the challenges that parenthood brings along. That's why you need Dr. Sirotkin's help. She will share her knowledge and guide you when you are feeling lost".
Natalie B.
“I am so glad we found Dr. Sirotkin- not only she was able to help us deal with Oliver's challenges, but she empowered us with the understanding that we do know him best."
