Raising Boys and Girls: Understanding What’s Universal, What’s Unique

Parenting expert Dr Rosina McAlpine interviewed on ABC Radio

Parenting expert Dr Rosina McAlpine from Win Win Parenting joins the conversation to explore one of the most timeless questions in family life—how do we best raise boys and girls? While love, connection, and emotional safety are the foundation for every child, Rosina explains that boys and girls can develop skills at different rates and face unique social pressures. The interview delves into the importance of early attachment, teaching life skills, and nurturing emotional literacy from the very beginning, helping parents move beyond “good” and “bad” behaviour to see what life skill might be missing.

Rosina’s insights shed light on why emotional literacy is equally vital for boys and girls. She shares practical ways to help children recognise and name their emotions, linking feelings to language and developing empathy. When parents model responsiveness and understanding, children learn that emotions are not something to suppress but to navigate. For boys, this means letting go of “toughen up” messages, while for girls, it means resisting comparison and perfectionism. Rosina’s compassionate examples show how these conversations can happen naturally in everyday moments—from bedtime stories to big feelings after school.

This powerful discussion moves beyond stereotypes to highlight the influence of temperament, peer pressure, and social expectations on children’s growth. Rosina reminds parents that while gender can shape experience, each child is unique, with their own temperament, needs, and strengths. Her advice is simple yet profound: create safe, loving, and open spaces where boys and girls alike can express who they truly are. Listen to the full interview to discover practical, heart-centred strategies for helping every child thrive—through love, laughter, and connection.