FAQ
What makes this parenting course unique?
The course has been proven to be effective quickly, with results that last a lifetime. Unlike rigid, unnatural “prefab” techniques, this course develops your own intuition, combining a unique delivery style, comprehensive content, practicality and plain common sense—so the takeaways truly stick.
Who is the speaker and what is the course based on?
The course is delivered by Rabbi Daniel Whitman, a counselor and lecturer representing Machon Yedidya.
It is based on the bestselling work Spare the Child by R’ Yechiel Yaakovson shlit”a, and is the first and only parenting course in English from R’ Yaakovson’s organization, Machon Yedidya.
R’ Yaakovson brings five decades of experience, having guided thousands of real-life cases at the request of Gedolei Olam such as the Steipler, Rav Shteinman, Rav Shach, and others. Rabbi Whitman has over two decades of experience applying this approach, counseling families in Lakewood and beyond, and assisting alongside R’ Matisyahu Salomon Zt”l in BMG.
How does the course compare to the book - 'Spare the Child'?
The course brings the book’s fundamentals to life with practical exercises, real-world guidance, and a more engaging format. It’s suitable for parents of all ages and all challenges.
What are the technical details of the course?
The course consists of 12 classes (live, Zoom, or phone).
- Schedule: Mondays, Aug 25 – Dec 8, 9:00–10:00 PM (with break after class #4 for Sukkos).
- Location: 1776 Ave. of the States, Lakewood NJ.
- Q&A after each class: 15–30 minutes (questions can be texted in).
- Recordings:
- Emailed the next day.
- Accessible on the phone line.
- Complete USB (video & audio) mailed after course.
- Bonus: 10-minute phone call with Rabbi Whitman included.
- Cost: $475 (ask your Rav regarding using Ma'aser money)
Reviews?
Amazon review on the book Spare the Child:
I’ve read many parenting books and taken numerous classes, but this one blew me away. Its logical, clear, and empowering approach, grounded in solid Hashkafah, brought clarity to topics like authority, rewards, and reinforcement, and refocused my parenting and relationship with my children.
Quotes about the course:
"My extremely hectic mornings were full of threats and bribes; now my mornings are much calmer and more positive and my kids really listen without the treats and threats."
"After hearing your parenting recording, I’m rereading To Spare the Child and it’s a different book!"
"I am blown away by the results. Wow!! Thank you for allowing us to join this amazing course!!"
"It's unbelievable! It's like a magnetic force: he wants to listen. He feels safe and secure. It's unbelievable."
"My home has so much more love and positivity"
"Our home has been transformed. I was stunned. The transformation in our home and Chinuch is amazing...hard to put into words...it's made our children much happier."
"Thank you so much for the clear and magical guidance."
Is there a sample class that I can listen to?
See below.
How do I register?
- Link: press here
- Email: Register@YedidyaUSA.org
- Phone line: 732-343-9091
- Ext. 2 = Automatic Registration
- Ext. 4 = Secretary
About Machon Yedidya USA
Machon Yedidya offers practical, Torah-based parenting & marriage courses, counseling, and more, based on the teachings of Rav Yechiel Yaakovson Shlit"a, author of the bestseller Spare the Child.
Rav Yechiel Yaakovson was urged to enter the field of Chinuch by Rav Shach zt”l and worked for decades under the direct guidance of Rav Wolbe zt”l and Rav Shteinman zt”l. He founded Machon Yedidya and authored the bestseller, Spare the Child at the insistence of Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt"l.
Rabbi Daniel Whitman trained by Rav Yaakovson and works with Machon Yedidya counseling in Chinuch and emotional health matters. Rabbi Whitman worked closely with Rav Mattisyahu Salomon zt”l, counseling in Beis Medrash Govoha.