For Contributing Writers
Successful Black Parenting publishes practical, research-backed guidance for parents of Black children. Use this calendar to plan your pitch: each month has a theme, the key dates our readers care about, and story ideas we would love to see.
How the Calendar Works
We plan two months ahead. Pitch by the first day of the month shown on each card. A January story, for example, should reach us by November 1.
The story ideas are starting points, not assignments. If you have a fresh angle that fits the month, pitch it.
- Pitch two months ahead
- Practical, how-to pieces
- Sourced and linked
- No corporate links
Please note: this calendar is for how-to and service articles that help a parent do something, understand something, or find help. Articles give parents practical, research-backed guidance. Opinion pieces share the writer’s own viewpoint, supported by facts. We publish opinion pieces in our Opinion section on the homepage. Opinion pieces do not need to follow the monthly themes and can be pitched any time. Please read our Opinion Guidelines before you submit.
Monthly Themes
January
Fresh Starts and Healthy Habits
Pitch by November 1Key dates: Kwanzaa closes January 1 (Imani). Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday). National Mentoring Month.
- Kid-friendly ways to serve on MLK Day
- Getting routines back on track after the holidays
- Setting family goals children can help choose
- Birthday parties that are fun and affordable
February
Black History Month
Pitch by December 1Key dates: Black History Month. American Heart Month. Valentine’s Day.
- Black history activities by age, toddler through teen
- Starting a family tree or oral history project
- Heart-healthy habits the whole family can build
- Classroom Valentine ideas kids can make
March
Reading, Learning and Planning Ahead
Pitch by January 1Key dates: Women’s History Month. Read Across America (early March). Summer camp registration opens.
- Building a home library with Black authors and illustrators
- Raising a reader when your child says reading is boring
- How to choose a summer camp (and what to ask)
- Spring break ideas on a budget
April
Mothers and Babies
Pitch by February 1Key dates: Black Maternal Health Week (April 11 to 17). Autism Acceptance Month. Financial Literacy Month. Earth Day (April 22).
- Questions to ask your OB, midwife or doula
- Postpartum warning signs and when to get help
- Getting an autism evaluation: first steps for families
- Teaching kids about money by age
May
Mothers, Mental Health and Milestones
Pitch by March 1Key dates: Mother’s Day (second Sunday). Mental Health Awareness Month. Teacher Appreciation Week. Military Appreciation Month.
- Helping children name and handle big feelings
- Finding a culturally responsive therapist for your child
- Graduation celebrations, preschool through high school
- Supporting military kids through a move
June
Fathers, Juneteenth and Summer
Pitch by April 1Key dates: Juneteenth (June 19). Father’s Day (third Sunday). Black Music Month. School lets out.
- Explaining Juneteenth to children
- Dad and kid activities that build connection
- Preventing the summer learning slide
- Swim lessons and water safety for every age
July
Family Fun and Wellness
Pitch by May 1Key dates: National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Independence Day. Family reunion season.
- Planning a family reunion kids will remember
- Road trips and flights with little ones
- Summer screen time rules that actually work
- Sun protection for melanin-rich skin
August
Back to School
Pitch by June 1Key dates: Back-to-school season. Black Business Month. Black Breastfeeding Week (August 25 to 31).
- Back-to-school checklists by grade
- Preparing for your child’s IEP or 504 meeting
- Natural hair, dress codes and the CROWN Act
- Breastfeeding support and returning to work
September
Family Safety and Grandparents
Pitch by July 1Key dates: Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Baby Safety Month. Grandparents Day (Sunday after Labor Day). Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
- Sickle cell trait: testing and what it means for your family
- Grandparents and kin raising children: resources that help
- Car seat and sleep safety checks
- Building a family emergency plan with kids
October
Community, Safety and College Prep
Pitch by August 1Key dates: National Bullying Prevention Month. ADHD Awareness Month. HBCU homecoming season. FAFSA season. Halloween.
- How to tell if your child is being bullied, and what to do
- ADHD in Black children: signs, evaluation and school support
- Planning HBCU and college visits
- Halloween safety and costume ideas
November
Family Gatherings and Gratitude
Pitch by September 1Key dates: National Adoption Month. Thanksgiving. Early college application deadlines.
- Hair and skin care basics for adoptive and foster parents
- Teaching gratitude without guilt
- Holiday travel with children
- Handling picky eaters at family dinners
December
Kwanzaa and Giving
Pitch by October 1Key dates: Kwanzaa (December 26 to January 1). Winter break.
- Celebrating Kwanzaa with young children
- Gift guides: books and toys that look like our kids
- Keeping holiday stress low for the whole family
- Teaching kids to give back
Recurring Sections
These sections run all year. Pitch them any month.
Cooking With Kids
Simple recipes children can help make, with skills by age.
Dedicated Dad
Practical guidance for fathers, written by fathers.
Family Finance
Budgeting, saving, college funds and teaching kids about money.
Ages and Stages
Development, milestones and what to expect at each age.
School Success
Teachers, IEPs, homework, college prep and advocacy.
Health and Wellness
Physical and mental health for children and parents.
Adoptive, Foster and Kinship Families
Support for every family raising a Black child.
The Book Shelf
Reviews of children’s books featuring Black children.
What We Look For
- Answers real questions. Write about what parents are searching for help with.
- Practical and specific. Steps, checklists, scripts and examples parents can use today.
- Sourced and linked. Cite government agencies, peer-reviewed research, universities and professional associations, with working links.
- Strengths-based. No stereotypes, deficit framing or harsh discipline advice.
- No corporate links. Do not link to companies, brands or products in your article. Your author bio may include one link to your own website or social profile.
- Original. Unpublished work only.
Breaking news: news that affects parents of Black children can be pitched any time. Put “Breaking” in your subject line.
Ready to Pitch?
Send Us Your Idea
Email a short pitch with the word “Query” and your target month in the subject line. Read our Write For Us guidelines and Editorial Standards before you send.
EMAIL YOUR PITCH
