MC-Guide
Content Writing
Website 127: Afineparent.com
How Can You Earn Money Writing For “Afineparent.com” Website
This guide shows you, step by step, how a beginner can learn to pitch and sell stories to Afineparent.com
You will learn what Afineparent.com wants, how to test your idea, how to write a pitch, and how payment roughly works. You can use this like a small SOP.
Guide: How to Get Paid to Write for A Fine Parent (Step by Step)
This is a beginner-safe, follow-the-steps guide to write a parenting article for A Fine Parent. You’ll learn how their articles are built, what “evidence-based but human” looks like, how to write the required action plans, and how to submit the article properly so you can earn money and build a portfolio.
Important note: the submission page sometimes opens/closes. Even if submissions are closed today, you can still use this guide to (1) practice the exact style, (2) build publish-ready samples, and (3) be ready the moment they reopen. Always verify the current status on afineparent.com/write.
Section 1 · Understand the publication
What A Fine Parent is (and what its readers truly want)
A Fine Parent positions itself as a life-skills blog for parents. That matters, because the writing style is different from “cute parenting stories” and different from “strict academic research.” The content tries to live in the middle: human and empathetic, but also practical and teachable.
Many A Fine Parent articles follow a pattern you can learn quickly: a relatable situation → a useful explanation (with books/research) → specific scripts and tools → action plans you can do today. You can see the “action plan” style clearly inside many articles, such as this example: How to Set Positive Limits (Without Yelling or Caving In) .
Most readers are parents who:
- Feel stuck in repeated conflicts (yelling, threats, power struggles).
- Want “positive parenting” but need clear steps, not vague inspiration.
- Want a fair approach that works for real families, not perfect families.
- Prefer short paragraphs, headings, and lists they can scan quickly.
Your job as a writer: make the reader feel seen, then give them a plan they can actually try this week.
Articles that do well usually contain:
- Specific parenting situations (not just broad theory).
- Evidence from parenting books or credible research.
- Practical tools: scripts, steps, alternatives, examples.
- Two action plans at the bottom (required structure).
Think: “Calm + confident” writing with a clear method, not a dramatic rant.
| Where to look | What you learn | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Submission rules | Pay, length, required sections, how to submit | afineparent.com/write |
| Article library | Topics, structure, recurring patterns | afineparent.com/articles |
| Cornerstone reading | Best examples of “A Fine Parent voice” | afineparent.com/cornerstone-articles |
| Free training | Core philosophy + audience pain points | afineparent.com/free-training |
| Book recommendations | Which books the site already references often | afineparent.com/parenting-books |
| Contact page | General communication + site navigation | afineparent.com/contact |
Section 2 · The official rules
What the Write page requires (your non-negotiables)
Before you write a single paragraph, open: afineparent.com/write. This page tells you the rules that decide if you get accepted or rejected. The rest of this guide simply shows you how to follow those rules as a beginner.
Write the full article (they don’t review pitches)
A Fine Parent typically asks writers to submit a complete, finished draft (not just an idea). That means you should plan and write like a professional: outline first, draft, revise, then submit. You can still test your idea by reading existing posts and checking for duplicates (we’ll do that in Section 3).
Practical tip: treat your outline as a “mini-contract.” If your outline is strong, your article is much easier to finish.
Hit the required length + required end sections
The Write page commonly specifies an expected word count range (often 1500–3000 words) and requires the two action plan sections at the end: “The 2-Minute Action Plan for Fine Parents” and “The Ongoing Action Plan for Fine Parents.” You can see those exact headings in published articles (example linked below).
Example with action plans: How to Set Positive Limits (Without Yelling or Caving In) .
Back up your advice (books + research)
The site leans “evidence-based.” That usually means you should support the main teaching points using:
- At least one parenting book (often ones the site already references).
- Research summaries or credible organizations (medical associations, universities, etc.).
- Internal links to related A Fine Parent articles (to help the reader explore).
Your goal is not to sound academic. Your goal is to be trustworthy.
Submit correctly (Google Doc link + the right email)
A Fine Parent typically asks you to submit a Google Drive / Google Docs link to their editorial email. When you submit, make sharing permissions correct (we show you exactly how in Section 8).
Editorial email (from the Write page): articles@afineparent.com
| Requirement | Why it matters | Beginner way to execute it |
|---|---|---|
| Complete article (not a pitch) | Saves editor time; proves you can finish | Use the blueprint in Section 5; write one clean draft |
| 1500–3000 words (typical) | Enough space for story + tools + action plans | Write 7–9 sections + 2 action plans |
| Evidence-based teaching | Trust + authority; avoids “random advice” | Use 1 book + 1 credible organization + internal links |
| 2-Minute + Ongoing Action Plan headings | Signature A Fine Parent format | Use the copy/paste templates in Section 7 |
| Submit by Google Doc link | Editors need easy commenting + editing | Set sharing to “Anyone with the link can comment” |
| Pay and process | Know what you earn and what to expect | Track your submissions and build a portfolio plan |
Section 3 · Topic selection
How to pick a topic that fits (and avoid repeating existing articles)
A Fine Parent articles are not “news.” They are mostly evergreen solutions for recurring parenting problems. That means your biggest risk is accidentally writing something they already have. Your second risk is picking a topic that is too broad (example: “how to be a better parent”).
Here is the easiest beginner method: start with one parenting moment, then zoom out into a skill. Example moment: “Leaving the park turns into a meltdown.” Skill: “Setting limits without yelling or caving in.” Then build: story → skill → evidence → scripts → action plans.
- Open the Articles page.
- Open Cornerstone Articles.
- Search the site using your keyword + “A Fine Parent” in Google (example: “tantrum A Fine Parent”).
- Also browse key series like Positive Parenting FAQ.
If a near-identical article already exists, you have two options: (1) pick a different angle, or (2) write a “next step” version (advanced, specific scenario, or a special audience).
Use this formula to get a strong angle fast:
- Situation: one moment parents recognize instantly.
- Why it matters: the life-skill underneath (self-regulation, responsibility, empathy).
- What fails: the common “default” response that makes it worse (yelling, bribes).
- What works: a positive approach supported by books/research.
- Scripts + steps: what to say and do, in order.
- Action plans: quick plan + ongoing plan.
This structure fits blog posts, guest posts, and magazine service pieces.
| High-fit topic bucket | Example “moment” | Possible angle (fresh) |
|---|---|---|
| Limits & boundaries | Child refuses to leave screen / park / party | “Setting limits without power struggles: a 3-step script + follow-through plan” |
| Yelling & emotional regulation | You snap after repeating yourself 10 times | “How to interrupt the yell cycle: a calm-down sequence + repair script” |
| Tantrums & big feelings | Meltdown at store checkout | “Tantrums as skill gaps: what to teach before the next store trip” |
| Chores & responsibility | Child won’t help without a reward | “Building intrinsic motivation for chores: tiny steps + autonomy language” |
| Siblings & conflict | Daily fighting over toys / attention | “Conflict coaching: a simple mediation routine parents can repeat” |
| School & cooperation | Homework battles every evening | “Homework boundaries + connection: a routine that reduces friction” |
Section 4 · Evidence + links
How to build your evidence base (and add lots of helpful links)
A Fine Parent expects parenting advice to be backed by more than “I feel like this works.” The good news: you do not need to become a researcher. You need a simple, repeatable system. Use the 3-source method:
Internal links (A Fine Parent)
Internal links make your article more useful and show editors you understand the site. Use these “anchor hubs” to find related posts quickly:
- Articles (browse topics)
- Cornerstone Articles (best examples)
- Positive Parenting FAQ (series format)
- Stop Yelling at Kids (topic hub)
Beginner rule: add internal links only when they truly help the reader go deeper (don’t spam links).
Parenting books the site already recommends
Open: Parenting Book Recommendations. This page helps you choose a book that matches the site’s philosophy.
Example of how books are cited inside articles: in the “positive limits” article, the author references books like these (links are examples):
- Setting Limits (Robert J. MacKenzie) (example Amazon shortlink style)
- Listen (Patty Wipfler)
- Peaceful Parents, Happy Siblings (Laura Markham)
Tip: You don’t need to quote long passages. Paraphrase the idea in your own words, then cite the book and author.
Credible research and organizations
For parenting topics, use sources that are stable and widely trusted. These external links help beginners avoid unreliable “viral advice”:
- American Psychological Association (Parenting topics)
- CDC Child Development
- HealthyChildren.org (AAP parenting resource)
- UNICEF Parenting
- Harvard Center on the Developing Child
Use research links to support one or two key claims. Keep your writing practical, not academic.
| What you want to say | Best supporting source type | Example you can copy |
|---|---|---|
| “Kids test limits to learn safety and boundaries.” | Parenting book + internal link | Use 1 book idea + link to a related A Fine Parent limits article |
| “Tantrums are often skill gaps, not bad attitude.” | Research summary + internal link | One credible org link + one A Fine Parent tantrum post |
| “Connection improves cooperation.” | Book + practical example | Paraphrase a book principle + give a script |
| “Rewards can reduce intrinsic motivation.” | Research + book | One research link + one book reference |
Section 5 · The blueprint
The A Fine Parent article blueprint (copy this structure)
If you want to get accepted faster, don’t “guess” the structure. Copy the structure you see on the site. Many articles use: story → explanation → numbered strategies → action plans. You can see that approach clearly in: How to Set Positive Limits (Without Yelling or Caving In) .
Here is a beginner-proof blueprint you can reuse for almost any parenting topic. Keep headings short. Keep paragraphs short. Use lists.
Hook with a real moment (120–180 words)
- Describe a relatable situation (specific, not generic).
- Show the parent’s emotion (frustrated, guilty, stuck).
- Ask a simple question that leads to your promise.
Hook template: “You’re trying to ___, but your child ___. You don’t want to ___. What do you do instead?”
Define the skill (and why it matters)
- Name the life skill (self-regulation, empathy, responsibility).
- Explain why the skill helps long-term (school, friendships, adulthood).
- Link to 1–2 internal articles that expand the context.
Example internal links you can use while learning the style: Positive Parenting is NOT Permissive Parenting , Time Out vs Time In .
Explain the common mistake (without shaming)
- Describe the “default” reaction (yelling, threats, bribes).
- Explain why it fails (power struggle, disconnection, fear).
- Offer compassion: “Most of us do this when we are stressed.”
Tone rule: talk like a calm coach. Not like a judge.
Teach 3–7 strategies (each with “what to say”)
- Make strategies numbered: #1, #2, #3…
- Include at least one script: a sentence parents can literally say.
- Support key ideas with 1 book/research reference.
- Add internal links to related topics (so it becomes easy to learn).
Example: “#1 Set your limit calmly” → script → what to do if child resists → repair step.
Blueprint Part E (required): end with two action plans.
A Fine Parent articles frequently end with: The 2-Minute Action Plan for Fine Parents and The Ongoing Action Plan for Fine Parents. In Section 7 you’ll get copy/paste templates you can reuse for any article.
| Section | Goal | Target length |
|---|---|---|
| Hook story | Relatable moment + promise | 120–180 words |
| Skill definition | Name the skill and why it matters | 150–250 words |
| Why the default fails | Explain gently, reduce guilt | 150–250 words |
| Strategies (#1–#7) | Teach steps + scripts + examples | 900–1700 words |
| 2-minute action plan | Immediate next step | 120–220 words |
| Ongoing action plan | Long-term habit or routine | 180–350 words |
Section 6 · Writing the draft
Write the “human + helpful” article (templates you can reuse)
Beginners often struggle because they try to write like a diary, or they try to write like a textbook. A Fine Parent sits in the middle: a small amount of story (to build connection) plus a large amount of practical teaching (to create change).
Use this ratio: 20% story and 80% solution. Story builds trust. Solution delivers value.
- Story: specific details (time, place, behavior).
- Solution: clear steps and scripts.
- Evidence: 1–3 references (book/research) to support key points.
- Action plans: required end sections.
- Short paragraphs (2–4 lines each).
- Headings every 120–200 words.
- Lists for steps and examples.
- Bold important phrases once, not everywhere.
- One idea per paragraph.
Your goal is scan-friendly writing, because stressed parents skim.
Copy/paste mini-outline (beginner-safe):
| Heading | What to write | Links to add |
|---|---|---|
| H1: Your title | Promise a result in plain language (no clickbait) | Optional: link to related A Fine Parent series |
| Intro story | One real moment + “what do I do instead?” | None (keep it clean) |
| Why this is hard | Normalize struggle; reduce guilt | One internal link (related topic hub) |
| What most parents try (and why it fails) | Show the default reaction and its cost | One internal link, optionally one research link |
| #1–#5 strategies | Steps + scripts + example dialogue | Book links + internal links where helpful |
| Common mistakes | 3 small mistakes + how to correct | Optional: internal links |
| The 2-Minute Action Plan for Fine Parents | 3 questions + 3 tiny actions | None (keep it actionable) |
| The Ongoing Action Plan for Fine Parents | Weekly routine + habit + repair plan | Optional: one internal link to go deeper |
Section 7 · Required action plans
Action plans that match the site’s style (copy/paste templates)
These two sections are often the “signature” of A Fine Parent writing: quick actions + a longer plan. They turn a parenting article into a mini-coaching session. You can see these headings in published posts, for example: How to Set Positive Limits (Without Yelling or Caving In) .
Copy/paste template 1: The 2-Minute Action Plan for Fine Parents
The 2-Minute Action Plan for Fine Parents
Step 1: Answer these 3 quick questions (30 seconds each):
- What is the one moment this problem happens most often (time/place/trigger)?
- What do I normally do in that moment (my default reaction)?
- What is the one small change I can try next time (one sentence + one action)?
Step 2: Choose one tiny action for the next 24 hours:
- Write one “calm script” on a sticky note and place it where the conflict happens.
- Pick one boundary and state it once (calm voice, short sentence, then follow through).
- Practice one repair sentence: “I didn’t handle that well. I’m sorry. Let’s try again.”
Keep this section very simple. The reader should be able to do it today.
Copy/paste template 2: The Ongoing Action Plan for Fine Parents
The Ongoing Action Plan for Fine Parents
For the next 7 days, do this routine:
- Before the trigger: decide your limit or expectation in one sentence.
- During the trigger: say your script once; use calm follow-through; avoid lectures.
- After the trigger: repair and teach the missing skill (very short debrief).
Track one tiny metric:
- How many times you stayed calm (even if your child didn’t).
- How quickly you repaired after a mistake.
- How often you followed through without threats.
In week 2–4, level up:
- Add a daily 5-minute connection ritual (play, talk, shared task).
- Add one family rule meeting (simple, short, focused).
- Teach one specific skill (deep breaths, problem-solving words, asking for help).
The ongoing plan should feel realistic. It’s not “be perfect.” It’s “practice the skill.”
| Action plan quality | Bad example | Good example |
|---|---|---|
| Specificity | “Try to be calmer.” | “When you feel the urge to yell, step back, breathe 3 times, then say one short script.” |
| Realistic | “Never lose your temper again.” | “Repair quickly after you lose your temper; practice one calmer response next time.” |
| Teaches a skill | “Punish more.” | “Teach the missing skill: waiting, asking, calming, choosing.” |
| Fits A Fine Parent tone | “Your kid is manipulating you.” | “Your child is struggling; your job is coaching, not winning.” |
Section 8 · Submission package
Google Doc + email submission (copy/paste scripts)
The #1 beginner mistake is writing a good article and submitting it in a messy way. Editors are busy. Make your submission easy to review and easy to accept.
Create your Google Doc correctly
- Put your title at the top (H1 style).
- Use clear headings (H2/H3 style) for sections.
- Keep links inside the doc (no screenshots of links).
- At the bottom, include your short bio (2–3 lines).
- Optional: include 2–3 writing samples (links) in the doc footer.
Sharing setting: set to “Anyone with the link can comment” (or whatever the Write page requests). This avoids back-and-forth emails.
Name your file like a professional
File name format: AFP – Your Title – Your Name
- Example: AFP – How to Stop the After-School Meltdown – Priya Sharma
- Example: AFP – Setting Limits Without Power Struggles – Rahul Kumar
This helps editors find your doc later.
Send your submission email (copy/paste template)
Editorial email: articles@afineparent.com
Subject line options:
- Article Submission: [Your Title]
- A Fine Parent Article: [Your Title] (Google Doc)
Email body template:
Hi A Fine Parent team,
I’m submitting a complete article for consideration: [Your Title].
Google Doc link (comment access): [PASTE LINK]
One-sentence summary: This article helps parents [specific audience] handle [specific situation] by teaching [life skill] using [evidence-based approach] and ends with the required action plans.
Sources used: [Book name/author], plus [1–2 research/organization links], plus relevant A Fine Parent internal links.
Short bio: [2–3 lines. Mention parenting experience, relevant background, and writing links.]
I confirm this article is original and not submitted elsewhere at the same time. Thank you for your time and for the work you do for parents.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your PayPal email if requested]
[Your website/portfolio links]
If the Write page asks for specific items (PayPal email, headshot, etc.), add them exactly as requested.
Section 9 · Money + rights + career
How you earn (and how to turn one article into long-term income)
A Fine Parent’s Write page typically states a flat payment amount (commonly $75 per accepted article) and payment method (commonly PayPal). Always confirm the latest details on: afineparent.com/write.
- Estimate hours: research + outline + draft + editing.
- Divide pay by hours to know your effective hourly rate.
- Use the byline as a portfolio asset that helps you earn more elsewhere.
- Keep improving your speed: your 3rd article is always faster than your 1st.
Even if the pay is fixed, the career upside is real: credibility, portfolio, and a public example of your writing style.
- Use your byline to pitch larger parenting sites and magazines.
- Create a simple writer website with “As seen on” and your clips.
- Offer related services: editing, content writing, newsletters, or courses.
- Repurpose ethically: after any exclusivity period, rewrite the idea for your own blog (not copy/paste).
Long-term writers don’t rely on one site. They build a portfolio across multiple outlets.
| After your A Fine Parent article | What to do | Link(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Build credibility | Add the byline to your portfolio + LinkedIn | Medium, LinkedIn |
| Find more paying parenting outlets | Use A Fine Parent’s list of paying sites | 50+ websites that pay for parenting articles |
| Improve writing skills | Practice clarity and readability | Hemingway App, Grammarly |
| Understand audience needs | Study the site’s philosophy and pain points | Free Training, Academy |
Section 10 · Beginner roadmap
30-day plan + FAQ + resource library (so you can start today)
If you are a beginner, your goal is simple: build one strong, publish-ready A Fine Parent style article in 30 days. Then submit it (or hold it until submissions reopen). Here is a realistic plan.
| Week | Goal | Daily actions (small) |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Learn the style | Read 1 cornerstone article/day; outline its structure; note the action plan sections. Start here: Cornerstone Articles. |
| Week 2 | Choose topic + collect sources | Pick 1 moment + angle; collect 1 book + 1 research link + 3 internal links. Use: Book Recommendations. |
| Week 3 | Draft fast, then fix | Write headings first → bullets → paragraphs. Keep paragraphs short; add scripts and lists; create action plan drafts. |
| Week 4 | Edit + submit package | Tighten clarity; verify claims; verify links; create Google Doc; paste your email using the template in Section 8. |
FAQ (beginner questions)
- Write for A Fine Parent (official submission page)
- Articles (browse the library)
- Cornerstone Articles (best examples)
- Parenting Book Recommendations
- Free Training (understand audience pain + philosophy)
- Academy (masterclasses)
- Contact
- Example article: Positive limits + action plans
- Example: Positive parenting vs permissive
- Example: Time out vs time in
- More outlets: 50+ websites that pay for parenting articles
- Submit email: articles@afineparent.com