Search Results

Parenting expert Dr Rosina writes for Wellbeing Magazine When disciplining children, many parents use time-out, choosing it as a “better” alternative to smacking. However, there is evidence that this parenting tool is significantly more complex than parents think and some experts even consider it a harmful practice. A controversial history Time-out has been used in behavioural parenting programs since the 1960s. Shockingly, most people wouldn’t know that the technique was actually developed as a method of training laboratory animals and was later used to manage children’s behaviour. Yes, that’s right: it was developed to control animals and today is recommended by some experts as an approach parents can use to control their kids. Read the full article here

Discussion by parenting expert Dr Rosina McAlpine on the her book Inspired Children: How the leading minds of today raise their kids.

Parenting expert Dr Rosina talk's about Inspired Children parenting course , a life skills program designed to inspire parents to embrace and enjoy navigating every-day parenting situations and to help their children to know their own hearts and minds and live their dreams. In subsequent shows, Dr Rosina will interview experts from around the globe to talk about the latest research into parenting and child development.

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.

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/