Are you raising an only child and worried that they may be lonely, may not learn to share and be spoiled? If you'd like to learn more about: 1. Where the myths about only children came from 2. The research on only children when compared with children from larger families and how only children fair when it comes to: Academic achievement,  Intelligence,  Sociability Character and the  Parent-child relationship Then join Dr Rosina McAlpine, family wellbeing and parenting expert  and the many families on the Insight TV show on SBS hosted by Kumi Taguchi   Bring your tissues - you'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll learn as families talk about their only children and the struggles they've experienced and overcome and Dr Rosina reveals where the myths come from and the research that shows across all developmental outcomes, only children were found to be indistinguishable from firstborns and people from small families and more.....   Read full article here. Episode appears on SBS 3rd September 2024 and you can watch below.

All parents want the best for their children and when a child is born, each parent has dreams and hopes for their children to live a healthy, happy and successful life. Sometimes a child doesn't choose a path their parents had hoped for, and then parents might experience disappointment or embarrassment about their children's choices. These negative feelings of  disappointment or embarrassment actually stem from a parents strong wish to see their child succeed, and from a fear that their children might not reach their full potential. Bored Panda asked parenting expert and family wellbeing educator, Dr Rosina McAlpine to share ideas, strategies and tips for parents who feel disappointed or embarrassed by their child's life choices  You can read the full article here You can read the full article here .

The number of single child families have double in Australia over the past 40 years and it is a trend that is happening all around the world. A phenomenon known as One and Done. Parenting expert Dr Rosina was asked to comment on this on Channel 10's The Project.

This week, parenting expert Dr Rosina answers this question with practical strategies and ideas for parents raising preschool and early primary school children. "My four year old is very independent and gets frustrated when she can't do something or when we try to help. How do I stop her from getting irritated when things get hard?" Hope you enjoy this video and walk away with practical ideas you can put into place today to help your child manage their emotions and learn how to problem-solve!

To give our children the best chance to succeed in the world, we need to give them the skills to help them interact and communicate with others in a caring and respectful way. Learning social skills that help children to nurture relationships will help them make friends and be loving members of their family and their community. Parents can teach their children these skills by being good role models and guiding them to change their behaviour whenever they behave in a way that harms others or themselves.

Are you parenting one or more teenagers? Would you like to learn more about managing the ups and downs? Parenting during the teen years can be both rewarding and deeply challenging. Do you find that your pre-teens and teens are experiencing significant emotional, cognitive, and social changes, and pushing boundaries as they push for independence while you know that they still need parental support?  Perhaps you're in the middle of the many stresses of navigating mood swings and peer pressure to managing screen time, academic stress, and mental health concerns, and perhaps you find yourself unsure of the best approach. Well... perhaps this blog post can help. Understanding the science behind teenage development can help you as a parent or caregiver understand how you can foster healthier relationships and guide your pre-teens and teens more effectively.  For those interested in diving deeper, researchers like Laurence Steinberg, BJ Casey, Adriana Galván, Katie McLaughlin, Eva Telzer, and Nick Allen offer valuable insights into adolescent brain development, decision-making, and mental health.   Several experts are at the forefront of research on adolescent development and psychology - here are some to start your learning: Laurence Steinberg, Ph.D. : A Distinguished University Professor at Temple University, Dr. Steinberg is renowned for his extensive research on adolescent brain and psychological development, risk-taking behaviors, and decision-making processes. BJ Casey, Ph.D. : Serving as the Christina L. Williams Professor of Neuroscience at Barnard College, Columbia University, Dr. Casey is a leading cognitive neuroscientist specializing in adolescent brain development and self-control mechanisms. Adriana Galván, Ph.D. : A professor of psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles, Dr. Galván directs the Developmental Neuroscience Laboratory, focusing her research on the neural underpinnings of adolescent behavior and brain development. Katie A. McLaughlin, Ph.D. : As a professor of psychology at Harvard University, Dr. McLaughlin investigates how stress and trauma during childhood and adolescence affect behavioral and brain development, contributing significantly to our understanding of mental health in young populations. Eva Telzer, Ph.D. : An associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Telzer's research delves into the neural and social processes that influence adolescent decision-making and risk behaviors. Nick Allen, Ph.D. : A professor of clinical psychology at the University of Oregon, Dr. Allen studies mental health in teenagers and young adults, with a focus on understanding and preventing the onset of mental health disorders during adolescence. These scholars have made significant contributions to the field of adolescent psychology, enhancing our understanding of teenage development and informing interventions to support youth wellbeing.If you're worried that academic research might be "too hard" to understand or go beyond what you're after, don't worry - several of these thought leaders have written books that may be easier to read than "academic papers." I hope this helps you to do your research and find the experts and books that resonate with you. Then you can grow your knowledge and understanding and enjoy connecting with your teen!

Parenting expert Dr Rosina McAlpine on the Today Show In Australia, one in five families is blended, meaning parents and children from previous relationships come together to form new families. While the idea of blending households is becoming more common, the reality of making it work can be challenging. In a recent discussion, parenting expert Dr Rosina McAlpine and stepmother Sarah Leonardi McGrath shared valuable insights into managing these challenges effectively. This blog explores their perspectives on navigating the complexities of blended families. The Unique Challenges of Blended Families Blended families often form following a significant life event, such as divorce or the loss of a parent. According to Dr Rosina McAlpine, children in these situations can experience emotional turmoil, behavioral issues, and confusion, making the transition particularly delicate. Introducing a step-parent too soon can amplify these challenges, making it crucial for parents to have open and honest conversations with their children. The Role of a Stepparent: Authority vs. Friendship When Sarah Leonardi McGrath married former Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath, she became stepmother to Holly and James. For Sarah, establishing her role was about finding a balance between authority and affection. Contrary to the idea of being a “friend” to stepchildren, Sarah emphasized the importance of setting clear boundaries and taking on the full responsibilities of a parent. “You can’t just have all the responsibilities without the rewards of being a parent,” she shared. Dr McAlpine supported this view, suggesting that while it’s important to foster a friendly and open environment, children need clear parental roles to feel secure. Effective step-parenting involves showing love and providing guidance, rather than trying to replace a biological parent. Common Challenges for Stepparents The emotional complexities of step-parenting are often underestimated. As highlighted by a viewer's comment, step-parents can feel undervalued despite their emotional and financial contributions. The sentiment of “you’re not my parent” can be particularly hurtful. Dr McAlpine advised that such reactions are usually a reflection of a child’s unresolved grief or confusion. She stressed the importance of managing personal emotions and focusing on the child’s needs. Putting Children First: Keys to a Successful Blended Family Both Sarah and Dr McAlpine agreed that the success of a blended family depends significantly on the strength of the couple’s partnership. United parenting helps create a stable environment where children can thrive. Dr McAlpine advised parents to seek support for themselves to manage their own emotions effectively, emphasizing that children benefit most when parents demonstrate mutual respect. Sarah’s guiding principle in her step-parenting journey has been to treat her stepchildren as she would want someone to treat her own children if she were no longer around. This golden rule has helped her build a strong, loving bond with her stepchildren. Conclusion Blended families are increasingly common, but they require careful navigation, clear boundaries, and a lot of love and patience. The experiences shared by Sarah Leonardi McGrath and Dr Rosina McAlpine offer valuable lessons for step-parents striving to create harmonious family dynamics. At the heart of successful step-parenting lies a simple yet powerful principle: put the children's well-being first, always.

Parenting expert Dr Rosina McAlpine interviewed on ABC Illawarra. Parenting expert Dr Rosina McAlpine discusses on ABC Radio the role of fathers in parenting, highlighting that while mothers generally carry a larger caregiving load, fathers also play crucial roles. According to 2021 ABS stats, women spend nearly twice as much time on domestic duties and childcare, even when both parents work. Positively engaged fathers contribute to higher academic outcomes, stronger social skills, and fewer behavioral problems in children. Early involvement of fathers from birth can significantly improve cognitive and language development and self-esteem, especially in girls. Mothers are encouraged to support fathers' unique parenting styles, which develop resilience and problem-solving skills in children. Listen to the podcast.

People often say that parenting is a full-time job—and it truly is. But the truth is, there’s no single “right” way to parent, and certainly no universal instruction manual that everyone follows. Many of us are shaped by how we were raised, while others lean into modern parenting trends—like new swaddling techniques or searching high and low for the perfect fragrance-free baby lotion. And sometimes, no matter the age of your child—whether you’re parenting a baby, a curious toddler, a primary schooler or a young adult—you can feel completely overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. That’s when a good parenting book can be a lifesaver. There’s an enormous range of parenting books out there—covering everything from pre-conception and pregnancy to first aid, child development, practical strategies for every age and stage, and even guidance on understanding yourself and co-parenting. Parenting expert Dr Rosina McAlpine was asked to contribute to an article published in the New York Post. You can .

Parents are often criticised by others as being "bad parents". Many parents and carers also judge themselves and feel guilty for making parenting choices that leave their child and themselves  both  feeling negative emotions. However, it is important to remember that supporting a child's social, emotional, academic and psychological wellbeing is challenging and stressful - especially in the busy and complex world we live in. To succeed, parents can benefit from parent education programs and accessing resources to nurture their child's development. Parenting isn't about perfection  - it's about progress. Every parenting challenge is an opportunity for the parent to learn, grow, and with this new understanding, to create a loving environment where their children feel valued, understood, and supported - the ideal context to support a child's mental and physical wellbeing. To read the full article written by other parenting experts see https://www.momjunction.com/articles/everything-need-know-bad-parenting_00256/

We know from the research that children do much better emotionally and psychologically after separation and divorce if the parents communicate respectfully and relate amicably. We also know that maintaining consistency and routines - where possible - even if travelling between two homes, supports children to have some structure and security allowing for better post-divorce adjustment. It's not always easy for parents to communicate calmly and agree even when they're living in the same home. Relationships post separation can be challenging and stressful - especially if there is lingering anger and resentment towards the other parent. Apps can provide a "buffer" between separated parents allowing them to make decisions about the children without heated arguments - allowing for more harmony, structure and success post separation and divorce. When parents can make decisions in the best interest of the child in a calm and structured way, everybody wins! To read the full article written by other parenting experts see https://www.momjunction.com/articles/co-parenting-apps_00651599/

Published in Herald Sun Saturday, February 19,2011 PARENTING - RAISING CAN-DO KIDS BY CHERYL CRITCHLEY Work demands are denying many parents the opportunity to develop vital life skills in their children, writes Cheryl Critchley Sadly, many parents are now too busy to parent. I’m not talking about using childcare, but about outsourcing almost anything that involves time and effort, such as birthday parties, exercise and even mental stimulation. These are the sorts of things we should be doing with our kids, developing our relationship and helping them gain life skills. But unfortunately, when both parents work full-time, it is easy to pay someone else to organise your party or teach your child art or how to kick a footy. We’ve had more than our share of McDonald’s birthday parties and bought costumes and food for special days rather than make them together. A hectic work schedule also meant bike rides and park plays were few and far between. Things have improved since I changed my work situation, but few families can afford a big pay cut to balance their lifestyle. So what do you do? University educator, researcher and mother Dr Rosina McAlpine believes many parents now sit at the extremes and are either overprotective or take little interest in their child’s development. McAlpine developed an affordable program helping parents raising can do kids. Inspired Children uses 15-minute activities twice a week over a year. Children develop skills and personal qualities such as self esteem, resilience, communication, play and creativity. “Parents and children have such busy lives that I felt 15 minutes two times per week was reasonable and could be achieved,” McAlpine says. “The aim of each activity is to introduce a life skill that will continue to be developed through experience and reflection and further activities in the program.” In one game the parent lets the child win and talks about what it means to lose, be resilient and not achieve what you want in life. The child then loses and talks about how they feel. “It is all about awareness, experience and role modelling by the parent,” McAlpine says. “Many parents let their children win every game- they don't get to experience losing and life is just not like that.” McAlpine says many of her tips are common sense strategies all parents can learn but are often too time poor to attend courses or read books.“Everything I include is available in the world to every parent by talking with other mothers, reading books, attending free parenting courses/seminars or surfing the internet,” she says. In an ideal world all parents would make the time to learn strategies in areas they may be lacking in. But we know it isn’t that simple and easy to follow programs like this are better than letting things slip.As Mc Alpine says, we don’t want a generation of young people who can’t do anything for themselves. She sees this all the time as a university teacher. She sees this all the time as a university teacher. “I’ve been a university lecturer for over 20 years and I can’t tell you how many times I have heard my first year students say things like ... ‘I don’t know how to cook’. ‘I’m sick of living off two minute noodles and takeaway’ … ‘I feel really lonely and depressed’ … (or) ‘I’ve just failed my exam and I’ve never failed anything in my life. I can’t cope’,” she says. Some parents make excuses for their offspring, such as saying they have so much pressure to succeed at school that they shouldn’t have to do housework. But McAlpine says parenting is about helping children prepare for life. “To live a full, happy and balanced life children need to develop key life skills and personal attributes like good self esteem, resilience, communication skills, the ability to set and achieve goals, personal and home cleanliness and an understanding of health, wellbeing- the list goes on.” Building resilience Discourage negative self-talk when something goes wrong like a bad exam result. Encourage children to look at the positives and move forward. Tell them everyone makes mistakes and we can all learn from them. Role play situations that could go wrong at school, like a toilet accident or teasing and work through coping strategies with them. Teach them life skills such as how to cook and manage money. Develop their social and environmental awareness. Encourage their communication skills, creativity and imagination.