How confident do you feel as a parent? Whether you’re a new learning parent working out how to care for your tiny baby, taming your boisterous toddler or being baffled by your teenager’s erratic mood swings, every stage of parenting can be challenging. When I became a mother, it was clear I didn’t have all the skills and knowledge I needed to support my child’s physical, emotional, psychological and intellectual development. Neuroscientists know about supporting a child’s early brain development to provide the foundation for lifelong learning and growth. Nutritionists and other health education specialists know how to nourish and exercise a child’s growing body so that it thrives. Psychologists know the best ways to support a child’s emotional and psychological development so they grow into well-balanced, capable and resilient adults. Posted by WellBeing Natural Health Read Article

Dr Rosina interviewed on Nights with Walter Williams, Faifax Radio Network about Barbie as a Super hero and how it can inspire young girls.

The Importance of Paid Parental Leave Australia is on the brink of a major shift in family life. Paid parental leave is expanding to 26 weeks and introducing a “use it or lose it” portion for partners. This sounds like a win! According to Dr. Rosina McAlpine, a family and wellbeing expert, it absolutely is. However, it also challenges long-standing roles within households. In this engaging radio conversation, Dr. Rosina explains why the first six months of a child’s life are so critical. From brain development to emotional bonding, this period lays the foundation for lifelong wellbeing. The new policy signals something bigger too: a move towards shared responsibility. Raising healthy children is no longer just a private matter; it’s a societal one. The Role of Parents in Early Development The discussion also dives into the realities families face. While the policy encourages fathers to take leave, financial pressures may still influence who stays home. Yet, the benefits of early involvement from both parents are clear. Stronger relationships, better outcomes for children, and improved family dynamics are just a few of the advantages. Understanding the Impact of Early Involvement When both parents are involved early on, children thrive. They develop better social skills and emotional resilience. This is crucial for navigating life’s challenges. It’s not just about the parents; it’s about the entire family unit. The early months are a time for bonding and establishing trust. But what about grandparents? Their role is often overlooked. They can provide invaluable support and wisdom. In many families, grandparents step in to help. They offer a safety net that can ease the burden on parents. The Challenge of Affordable Childcare The conversation also highlights the ongoing challenge of affordable childcare. Many families struggle to find quality care that fits their budget. This issue can deter parents from taking full advantage of parental leave. Affordable childcare is essential for enabling parents to return to work. It’s also vital for the healthy development of children. When parents have access to affordable options, they can focus on their careers while ensuring their children are well cared for. The Bigger Picture: A Societal Responsibility The message is clear: parental leave is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. We need to look at the entire system. How can we support families in a way that promotes wellbeing? It’s about creating a culture that values family time. We need to encourage policies that support parents and children alike. This means advocating for better childcare options and flexible work arrangements. Curious about how these changes could reshape Australian families and workplaces? This is one conversation you will want to hear in full. Listen to the full interview here. Conclusion: Embracing Change for Better Family Wellbeing As we navigate these changes, let’s embrace the opportunities they bring. Together, we can create a supportive environment for families. By working towards shared responsibilities, we can ensure that every child has the chance to thrive. Let’s continue the conversation. What are your thoughts on the new parental leave policies? How do you think they will impact your family? Your voice matters, and together we can make a difference.

Parenting and Family Wellbeing expert Dr Rosina McAlpine interviewed on ABC Radio In this thought-provoking ABC Illawarra interview, Dr Rosina McAlpine family and wellbeing expert challenges the classic “dog eat dog” mindset many of us grew up with. Instead of teaching kids to beat others at all costs, she argues the real key to success lies in empathy, collaboration and striving for personal bests. It starts with something simple. After a game, instead of asking “Did you win?”, what if we asked “Did you have fun?”, “What was your highlight?” or “What could you improve?” Small shifts like this can build resilience, confidence and a stronger sense of self. Dr Rosina also reminds us that empathy isn’t something kids just naturally develop. It’s a skill we need to actively teach through everyday moments, like encouraging them to notice how others feel or involving them in finding fair solutions during sibling disagreements. One of the most powerful takeaways? Kids don’t just listen to what we say, they watch what we do. When we model respectful conflict and genuine repair, we’re teaching them lifelong emotional intelligence. If you’ve ever struggled with “that’s not fair!” or wondered how to raise kind and capable kids, this conversation is well worth a listen.

Parenting and Family Wellbeing expert Dr Rosina McAlpine interviewed on ABC Radio Melbourne Firstborn, middle child, youngest… or the forgotten only child. We’ve all heard the stereotypes, but how much truth is there behind them? In this fascinating interview, Dr Rosina McAlpine family and wellbeing expert unpacks the real impact of birth order on children’s personalities, behaviour and family dynamics. She explores why firstborns often take on responsibility, how middle children carve out their identity, and why youngest children can appear more carefree or rebellious. But this isn’t just theory. Dr Rosina brings the conversation back to what it means for everyday family life. How do these patterns show up in sibling relationships? What can parents do to support each child’s unique strengths without reinforcing limiting labels? You’ll hear practical insights into recognising each child as an individual, rather than a stereotype, and how small parenting adjustments can make a big difference in confidence, connection and harmony at home. Whether you’re raising one child or managing a busy household of siblings, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on understanding your children more deeply. If you’ve ever caught yourself saying “that’s such a middle child thing” or wondering why your kids are so different, this interview will give you a whole new way of seeing it. Listen to the full interview to discover what birth order really means for your family.

Parenting and Family Wellbeing expert Dr Rosina McAlpine interviewed on ABC Radio Australia is on the brink of a major shift in family life, with paid parental leave expanding to 26 weeks and introducing a “use it or lose it” portion for partners. But as Dr Rosina McAlpine family and wellbeing expert explains, this is about far more than policy, it is about reshaping how we think about parenting, work and shared responsibility. In this insightful radio conversation, Dr Rosina highlights why the first six months of a child’s life are so critical, pointing to research around brain development, secure attachment and long term wellbeing. The new policy signals a broader societal shift, recognising that raising healthy, well adjusted children is not just a private responsibility, but a collective one. The discussion also dives into the realities families face. While the option to share leave is there, financial pressures may still influence who takes time off. Importantly, the inclusion of dedicated partner leave encourages fathers to play a more active role from the very beginning, something proven to benefit children, relationships and dads themselves. From the role of grandparents to the ongoing challenge of affordable childcare, this conversation unpacks the bigger picture of family wellbeing in Australia today. Curious about how these changes could affect your family? This is one interview worth hearing in full.

Parenting and Family Wellbeing Expert Dr. Rosina McAlpine Interviewed on Parenting Shrink Wrapped What if the struggle to “balance it all” is not something you are failing at, but rather something the system was never designed to support? In this powerful episode of Parenting Shrink Wrapped, parenting expert Dr. Rosina McAlpine shares a deeply relatable and research-backed perspective on the realities of modern parenting. From the moment she became a mother, she realized that even highly capable professionals can feel completely unprepared for the demands of raising a child, especially while managing a career. The Reality of Parenting Today This conversation goes beyond surface-level advice. It reveals why traditional workplace wellbeing programs often miss the mark for working parents. The expectation to “work like you do not have a family and parent like you do not work” is simply unsustainable. As parents, we often feel torn between our responsibilities at home and our commitments at work. This tension can lead to stress and burnout. But what if we could shift our perspective? What if we could find a way to integrate our roles instead of feeling like we must choose one over the other? Practical Insights for Families Listeners will gain practical insights into what truly supports families. Dr. Rosina shares simple but effective strategies that can make a big difference. She emphasizes the importance of community and introduces a refreshing reframe from “self-care” to being “selfful.” Being “selfful” means recognizing our needs and taking proactive steps to meet them. It’s about filling our own cups so we can better support our families. This shift in mindset can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life. Building Family-Friendly Workplaces The discussion also introduces a clear five-step framework for organizations to become genuinely family-friendly. This framework encourages a shift from reactive support to meaningful prevention. When workplaces prioritize family needs, everyone benefits. Employees feel valued and supported, which leads to increased loyalty and productivity. It’s a win-win situation. The Emotional Impact of Support What stands out most is the emotional impact of feeling seen, valued, and supported. Parents want to feel acknowledged in their struggles. When they do, everything changes—from wellbeing to workplace loyalty. If you are a parent navigating daily pressures, or a leader wanting to build a healthier, more supportive culture, this episode offers both validation and practical direction. Conclusion: Embracing the Journey of Parenting Parenting is a journey filled with ups and downs. It’s essential to remember that we are not alone in this experience. By seeking support and embracing community, we can navigate the challenges together. Let’s empower ourselves and each other with practica l, research-based strategies. Together, we can create a nurturing environment for our children to thrive. If you want to dive deeper into this conversation, check out the full episode here.

Parenting and Family Wellbeingexpert Dr Rosina McAlpine interviewed on ABC Radio Are firstborns natural leaders, middle children overlooked, and youngest siblings the carefree charmers? In this lively radio interview, Dr Rosina McAlpine family and wellbeing expert unpacks the truth behind one of the most talked-about family dynamics. Drawing on real listener stories, including a middle child who feels the weight of family responsibility, Dr McAlpine offers a refreshing perspective. Rather than reinforcing stereotypes, she reveals how middle children often become skilled relationship builders and peacemakers, holding families together in ways that go unnoticed. But it is not just about birth order. The conversation dives deeper into how parenting style, personality differences and family culture all play a crucial role in shaping who we become. From sibling rivalry to large family dynamics and even the myths surrounding only children, this interview challenges long-held assumptions. You will also hear surprising insights into how children in bigger families may develop empathy earlier, while only children can thrive with the right social opportunities. If you have ever wondered why you or your siblings turned out the way you did, this engaging discussion offers both validation and a new way of thinking about family roles. Curious to learn where you fit in? This is one interview you will not want to miss.

Parenting expert Dr Rosina McAlpine interviewed on ABC Radio No parent or grandparent enjoys seeing a child upset, but what if those moments of disappointment are exactly what help them thrive? In a recent radio chat , Dr Rosina McAlpine, widely known as Dr Rosina McAlpine family and wellbeing expert, shares why failure isn’t something to avoid but something to embrace. From missed goals to tough exam results, setbacks are more than just hard moments, they are powerful opportunities to build resilience, persistence and problem-solving skills. As Dr McAlpine explains, kids don’t develop these abilities when everything goes right. It’s in the struggles that real growth happens. So what should parents do when emotions run high? Instead of rushing to fix things, the key is to pause, regulate your own response and lead with empathy. A simple “I can see that’s really tough” can go further than any quick solution. From there, guiding children to reflect and problem-solve helps them build confidence and independence. The conversation also tackles a common trap: doing too much for kids. Whether it’s school projects or life challenges, striking a balance between support and independence is crucial. By “scaffolding” rather than solving, parents empower kids to learn and succeed on their own. Curious about how to turn everyday setbacks into lifelong strengths? This insightful interview is packed with practical wisdom every parent and grandparent can use.

Parenting and Wellbeing expert Dr Rosina McAlpine interviewed on Single Parenting Reset Show What is really going on when your tween or teen snaps, shuts down, lashes out, or melts down over something that seems small? For many parents, these moments can feel confusing, exhausting, and deeply personal. But often, what looks like defiance or overreaction is actually a child struggling to understand, express, and manage big emotions. In this insightful episode of The Single Parenting Reset Show, host Therese 'Tess' Connolly speaks with Dr Rosina McAlpine, parenting and family wellbeing expert and founder of Win Win Parenting, about how parents can help tweens and teens build emotional intelligence, strengthen resilience, and manage emotions in healthier ways. Emotional intelligence is more than “calming down” Emotional intelligence is often misunderstood as simply teaching children to calm down or behave better. But emotional intelligence is much broader than that. As Dr Rosina explains in the episode, emotional intelligence is the ability to: recognise and understand your own emotions regulate and manage emotional responses recognise emotions in others respond with empathy build healthy, respectful relationships These are not just “nice to have” life skills. They are essential skills that shape how children communicate, cope with stress, manage relationships, and move through life. Research consistently links emotional intelligence with stronger mental health, healthier relationships, improved school and work performance, better physical wellbeing, and greater life satisfaction. Why emotional intelligence matters in the tween and teen years The tween and teen years are a time of enormous emotional, social, and neurological development. Young people are navigating friendship dynamics, growing independence, academic pressure, identity development, and increased exposure to social media and digital influences, all while their brains are still developing the skills needed for emotional regulation and impulse control. This means emotional reactions can often feel bigger, faster, and harder for young people to manage. What can look like moodiness, irritability, defiance, or withdrawal is often a sign that a young person needs more support in understanding what they are feeling and how to respond. This episode helps parents reframe challenging behaviour, not as something to punish, but as something to understand, support, and teach through. Emotional regulation is a skill, not a personality trait One of the most important messages in this conversation is that emotional regulation is not something children simply “have” or “don’t have.” It is a skill, and like any skill, it must be taught, practised, and modelled over time. Dr Rosina shares practical strategies parents can use to help children: notice what they are feeling name their emotions with more clarity pause before reacting understand what triggered the emotion choose more helpful responses over time This is not about perfection. It is about helping children build awareness and emotional capability one small step at a time. The role of parents in shaping emotional intelligence Parents play a critical role in helping children develop emotional intelligence, not by fixing every emotional moment, but by modelling calm, self-awareness, and emotional safety. In the episode, Dr Rosina shares simple ways parents can support emotional growth at home, including: modelling emotional regulation in everyday moments helping children name and normalise emotions creating space for feelings without escalating conflict teaching empathy and perspective-taking supporting children to problem-solve rather than react looking for the “win-win” in emotionally charged situations This practical approach helps reduce power struggles, strengthen trust, and build more respectful parent-child relationships over time. The impact of screens, gaming, and social media on mood The conversation also explores the growing influence of screens, gaming, and social media on tween and teen emotional wellbeing. From overstimulation and emotional reactivity to comparison, sleep disruption, and reduced face-to-face connection, digital habits can significantly affect how young people feel, think, and respond. Dr Rosina offers practical, balanced guidance for helping families navigate technology in a way that supports emotional wellbeing rather than undermines it. A practical conversation for parents of tweens and teens If your tween or teen struggles with emotional outbursts, irritability, shutdowns, or conflict, this episode offers practical and reassuring guidance to help you better understand what is happening beneath the behaviour. Rather than focusing only on stopping the behaviour, this conversation helps parents understand how to build the emotional skills that sit underneath it. It is a thoughtful and practical discussion filled with simple strategies parents can begin using straight away. Listen now to discover how helping your child notice what they are feeling, before trying to fix the behaviour, can be one of the most powerful parenting shifts you make.

Parenting expert Dr Rosina McAlpine interviewed on ABC Radio Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how children learn, think and interact with the world but are we ready for it? In this insightful radio interview, Dr Rosina McAlpine family and wellbeing expert unpacks the real impact of AI on young minds and what parents can do to stay ahead. From smartphones and social media to the rise of AI “super geniuses in your pocket”, the conversation explores how technology is reshaping childhood and not always for the better. With growing concerns around anxiety, reduced problem solving skills and over reliance on instant answers, Dr Rosina highlights why developing resilience, communication and critical thinking has never been more important. But it is not all doom and gloom. There are powerful ways AI can support learning when used wisely. Think step by step guidance, deeper understanding and even parents relearning maths alongside their kids. The key lies in setting boundaries and encouraging children to struggle, think and apply knowledge rather than outsourcing it completely. There is also a refreshing reminder of the value of real world experiences. From theatre workshops to baking with grandparents, these hands on moments build life skills no algorithm can replace. Curious about how to strike the right balance in your home? This is a conversation every parent and grandparent should hear.

Parenting expert Dr Rosina McAlpine interviewed on ABC Radio What if everything we thought about parenting missed the bigger picture? In this thought-provoking radio interview, Dr Rosina McAlpine family and wellbeing expert challenges the way we prepare children for the future—and her insights may surprise you. Speaking ahead of her keynote in the United States, Dr Rosina shifts the focus from traditional parenting approaches—discipline, rewards, and punishment—to something far more impactful: life skills. She paints a compelling “helicopter view” of what raising a child should involve—helping them navigate emotions, relationships, resilience, and real-world challenges. Drawing on decades of experience, she highlights a concerning trend: rising levels of anxiety, depression, bullying, and disengagement among children. Despite academic focus, something isn’t adding up. Are we neglecting the “whole child” in pursuit of grades? The conversation also dives into the age-old debate of nature versus nurture. While genetics play a role, Dr Rosina makes a strong case that skills like empathy, leadership, and emotional regulation can - and should- be taught. Perhaps most compelling is her call for “teacher-family partnerships” - a collaborative model where parents, educators, and communities align to support children with consistent messages and shared values. This interview is a must-listen for anyone invested in raising confident, capable kids in a complex world.