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Parenting and Family Wellbeing expert Dr Rosina McAlpine interviewed on ABC Radio If you have ever found yourself repeating the same instruction to your kids over and over, you are not alone. In this insightful radio conversation , Dr Rosina McAlpine family and wellbeing expert unpacks why nagging becomes the default for many parents and, more importantly, how to move beyond it. Nagging often creeps in when families are busy, routines slip, and it feels quicker to just do things yourself. But as Dr Rosina explains, this approach does little to build responsibility. Instead, she encourages parents to shift the focus away from rewards and punishment and towards developing a child’s internal compass. When children understand that contributing at home is about caring for each other, not avoiding consequences, their mindset begins to change. One practical strategy is reframing “chores” as “family contributions”. By involving children in regular family conversations, such as a weekly check-in, everyone can agree on responsibilities and feel part of a team. This also helps address the classic “that’s not fair” complaint, giving children a chance to be heard while guiding them towards logical solutions. The takeaway is simple but powerful. Building a strong family culture, grounded in teamwork and shared responsibility, reduces the need for nagging and creates more cooperative, capable kids.

In this episode of the Parenting Collective Podcast, Donna Moala speaks with workplace and family wellbeing expert Dr Rosina McAlpine about the growing pressures facing working parents today. Together, they unpack the reality behind burnout, stress, mental load, and the expectation to somehow “do it all”. With more households relying on two working parents than ever before, many mums and dads are feeling overwhelmed. Juggling career demands alongside school commitments, childcare, extracurricular activities, technology, and the emotional demands of parenting can feel relentless. In this episode, you will discover: ✔ Why parenting in today’s world feels more challenging than ever ✔ The underlying drivers of parental stress and burnout ✔ Why achieving work-life balance can feel out of reach ✔ The impact workplace culture has on family wellbeing ✔ Practical ways to reduce overwhelm and improve day-to-day life ✔ How employers can better support working parents ✔ Strategies for setting healthier boundaries between work and home ✔ Why supporting parents creates better outcomes for businesses and society Dr Rosina McAlpine is an internationally recognised researcher, speaker, and founder of Win Win Parenting. She works with organisations to build family-friendly workplaces that support both employee wellbeing and business performance. Whether you are a working parent, business owner, HR professional or leader, this conversation offers valuable insights, reassurance, and practical ideas to help navigate modern family life.

Parenting and Family Wellbeing expert Dr Rosina McAlpine interviewed on ABC Radio Melbourne Parenting has always been demanding, but today’s families are facing a whole new level of pressure. In a recent radio interview, Dr Rosina McAlpine family and wellbeing expert, shed light on the growing issue of parenting and grandparenting burnout and why it is becoming so common. With rising cost of living pressures, demanding workplaces and the ever present influence of social media on children, many parents feel like they are being pulled in two directions at once. As Dr Rosina explains, we are expecting parents to work like they do not have a family, and raise a family like they do not have a job. It is no wonder stress levels are soaring. But the solution is not always a long holiday or drastic lifestyle change. Instead, Dr Rosina encourages small, consistent moments of recovery. Taking just five to ten minutes to reset after a hectic morning or building simple family routines can make a powerful difference. The conversation also highlights the often overlooked strain on grandparents, who are increasingly stepping in to help while still managing their own commitments. Honest conversations and clear boundaries are essential to avoid silent burnout. If you have ever felt stretched too thin, this insightful discussion offers practical, achievable ways to restore balance and reconnect with what matters most.

CURRENT TRENDS IN PARENTING ADVICE The Festival of Dangerous Ideas held recently at the Sydney Opera House included many interesting local and international speakers discussing a range of controversial topics including: “what can we learn from suicide bombers”; “free-range kids” and “are children worth it?” Having a particular interest in parenting, I attended both parenting talks. I left quite concerned about the current thinking on parenting today. “America’s worst mom” I first attended a talk by Lenore Skenazy, dubbed “America’s worst mom” because she let her 9 year old son travel home on the subway on his own with $20, a subway map and change for a pay phone. Lenore shared her “free-range kids” parenting philosophy. While she was very entertaining, her talk centred on sharing exaggerated comical stories about children and parenting as well as ridiculing over-protective ‘helicopter parents’. She did provide some insights into why parents fear for the safety of their children; but unfortunately, I didn’t walk away with many practical parenting ideas. Speaking with Lenore as she signed my copy of her latest book titled Free-Range Kids she didn’t seem at all like a “bad mom” and her book offers some practical suggestions for parents to help their children become more independent. Nevertheless, I was left with a cartoon image in my mind of children roaming free with chickens on a farm, and feeling quite sure that I need advice on raising a boy not a chicken! “Are children worth it?”Anne Manne spoke eloquently on the controversial topic “are children worth it?” and asked the audience to consider where we are as a society to even entertain such questions. She discussed research studies which have found that individuals without children generally report they have happier lives than people with children. She went on to talk about inadequate and expensive childcare facilities and how much pressure there is on today’s mothers who need to work, take care of their children as well as their home. No wonder they report they’re unhappy! In conclusion, Anne pointed out that today’s parents can’t win. Working parents are criticised for not spending enough time with their children and “helicopter parents” are criticised for spending time too much time with their children. I left the talks with two questions. Firstly, how did we end up parenting at the extremes? Secondly, what does it mean to be a parent?

Article Published on News.com.au by Lisa Mayoh. Contribution by Dr Rosina McAlpine IT WAS the closest I’ve come to having a panic attack. I still remember the feeling, sitting on that plane, buckled in, seatbelt sign on. Trapped. My heart pounding, my breath short and fast, my eyes wide and threatening to cry. What was I thinking, leaving our beloved children for the first time while we had six days in Bali? It’s something you dream of when you’re in the thick of dinner, bath and bed. You let yourself drift away, buoyed by the prospect of sleeping in, reading a book, or laying by the adult’s pool, not a splashing, squealing child in sight. Read Article

BUSINESS TURNS TO EDUCATING PARENTS-TO-BE AT WORK IN THE HOPE OF KEEPING WOMEN IN THE WORKFORCE LISA MAYOH AND DANIEL MEERS, THE DAILY TELEGRAPH, MARCH 07, 2015 12:00AM BUSINESS giants such as Westpac and Qantas have begun offering mums and dads free parenting courses as they recognise a $25 billion opportunity to keep women in the workplace. The major corporations are turning to a Sydney University academic’s education program for employees before they go on maternity leave, and when they return. The new trend means that instead of the scenario in which women relied on their own mother, aunts or siblings for parental advice, they can now go to work to learn everything from how to juggle demanding children with a career as well as how to manage toddler tantrums. Parenting author, and speaker Rosina McAlpine described the phenomenon as “win-win parenting”. Read the full article here PARENTING TIPS Bust the myth we ‘magically’ know how to be a good parent. We aren’t born with the skills — we need practical knowledge, skills and experience for everyday parenting, especially challenging moments. Use simple framework SEE — which stands for Stop, Empathy Education. Instead of reacting to challenging moments, use those three steps to respond to children for a more positive experience. This applies from baby to teenagers in any situation for getting ready for school, managing emotions, dealing with bullying, getting kids to share, listening at home, tantrums etc. Move away from discipline, rewards and punishment. Instead, use empathy and education to develop life skills in kids and deepen the deep bond with parents and children. Become your ‘personal best parent’ by taking care of yourself, role modelling for your children, learning about good parenting and using the SEE approach. Be in a place to respond, empathise and help children learn how to be in the world. As parents learn, they feel more confident, they drop guilt and stress and their children have better outcomes.

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.