YOU + YOUR CHILD = HAPPINESS. Every family's journey is different, but it's yours to embrace and continue fostering strong, loving, engaged, and creative children. By utilizing Black parenting resources and exploring empowering parenting videos, you can create a supportive community for parents while building your legacy.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) is a type of depression linked to seasonal changes, typically occurring during the fall and winter months when there’s less natural sunlight. It can cause symptoms like fatigue, low mood, irritability, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite, and feelings of sadness or hopelessness. For parents and families, especially those seeking Black parenting resources, S.A.D. can be particularly challenging, as it affects their ability to manage household responsibilities, work-life balance, and relationships. Accessing empowering parenting videos and engaging with a supportive community for parents can provide valuable strategies to cope during these difficult seasons.
Here are 5 favorites that can help us all during this season, including valuable Black parenting resources, empowering parenting videos, and a supportive community for parents.
How to do it: Open curtains first thing in the morning to let in sunlight. Spend time outdoors during the day, even on cloudy days. Use a light therapy box for 20–30 minutes daily to simulate natural light.
Why it helps: Limited daylight during fall and winter can disrupt the body's internal clock, leading to mood changes. Exposure to natural or artificial light can improve mood and energy. For Black parenting resources, consider incorporating empowering parenting videos that emphasize the importance of self-care during these darker months. Engaging with a supportive community for parents can also provide encouragement and strategies for maintaining a positive mindset.
Why it helps
Physical activity releases endorphins, which boost mood and reduce symptoms of depression. For parents seeking Black parenting resources, engaging in physical activities together can also strengthen family bonds and create a supportive community for parents.
How to do it
Schedule family walks or yoga sessions to promote wellness. You can also encourage indoor activities like dance parties or workout videos that the whole family can enjoy. Additionally, consider exploring empowering parenting videos or joining local classes and programs to stay accountable and connected.
How to do it:
Include foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds) to support a healthy lifestyle for families. Limit refined sugars and processed foods, which can cause energy crashes, affecting both parents and children. Incorporate mood-enhancing foods like leafy greens, berries, and whole grains to create a supportive community for parents striving for balanced nutrition.
Why it helps
A balanced diet with mood-boosting nutrients can help regulate energy levels and prevent mood swings, empowering parenting videos that highlight the importance of nutrition in Black parenting resources.
Why it helps: Talking about feelings and staying connected reduces isolation and strengthens family bonds, making time for friends and helping you find like-minded people. Utilizing Black parenting resources can further enhance these connections and provide valuable insights. Additionally, engaging with empowering parenting videos can inspire and motivate families to maintain these important discussions. Creating a supportive community for parents is essential in fostering these relationships. How to do it: Have regular check-ins with family members to share feelings or stressors. Encourage kids to express themselves through drawing, journaling, or storytelling. Plan family game nights, movie marathons, or other bonding activities to create joy. Why it helps: A balanced diet with mood-boosting nutrients can help regulate energy levels and prevent mood swings.
Why it helps: Parents often prioritize everyone else but need to care for their own well-being to better support their family. Accessing Black parenting resources can be a great starting point for this journey. How to do it: Schedule personal downtime, even if it’s just 10–15 minutes to read or meditate. Consider watching empowering parenting videos to learn effective self-care strategies. Practice mindfulness or deep breathing to manage stress. Additionally, seek professional support, such as therapy or counseling, if symptoms of S.A.D. become overwhelming. Connecting with a supportive community for parents can also provide encouragement and understanding.
Create a cozy atmosphere in your home by using warm lighting, soft blankets, and comforting scents like lavender or vanilla to make it feel inviting. Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule can help regulate the family’s mood and energy levels, which is essential for any supportive community for parents. Additionally, encourage gratitude practices by starting a family gratitude jar or journal to focus on the positive aspects of each day, a great idea often highlighted in empowering parenting videos and valuable Black parenting resources.
Stacey: Hi, Fractured Pen. I’m Stacey, a single mom in my forties. I’ve been dating this man for about a year now, and… honestly, I don’t know what to do anymore. He makes me feel special sometimes, but most of the time, he puts himself first. Every time I bring up my needs, he either dismisses me or turns it into something about him. And when we argue, he tears me down—makes me feel like I’m the problem. I don’t know if I’m imagining things or if I’m just not strong enough to make this work.
Fractured Pen: Hi, Stacey. First of all, let me say this: the fact that you’re reaching out shows strength, not weakness. You’re prioritizing clarity and healing, and that’s no small thing. Let’s unpack this together.
Let me break it down the only way I know:
Step 1: Acknowledge the Good
Fractured Pen: It’s clear you’re a thoughtful person and that you deeply care about this relationship. Being in your forties, juggling motherhood, and still finding space to give someone love—that’s remarkable. Your dedication and willingness to work through challenges are qualities not everyone possesses. These are strengths, Stacey. And as a single mom, you might appreciate some Black parenting resources to help you navigate these challenges.
Step 2: Address the Core Issue
Fractured Pen: That said, your story points to behavior that’s concerning. When a partner consistently prioritizes themselves over your needs, dismisses your feelings, and tears you down, it’s not just a “rough patch”—it’s a sign of imbalance. From what you’re describing, it sounds like you’re dating someone with narcissistic tendencies. Narcissists are often charming at first, but over time, their behavior shifts toward control and manipulation, leaving their partner emotionally drained and doubting themselves.
Stacey, your needs, feelings, and boundaries are not only valid—they’re essential. A healthy relationship uplifts and nurtures both partners. If your partner consistently makes you feel less than or dismisses your concerns, it’s a sign he’s not meeting you halfway. And here’s the hard truth: no matter how much love or effort you pour into this relationship, you can’t fix someone who refuses to look inward or take accountability.
Step 3: Empower and Reassure
Fractured Pen: But here’s the silver lining—you’ve already taken the first step by recognizing that something doesn’t feel right. That’s powerful. You don’t have to settle for a relationship that chips away at your self-worth. You deserve a partner who sees your light, not one who tries to dim it. I want you to imagine this: What would your life look like if you redirected all the love and energy you’re giving to him back into yourself and your children? How much freer and happier could you feel? Maybe you can even find some empowering parenting videos that resonate with your journey.
If you decide to leave this relationship, it’s not a failure—it’s an act of love for yourself and a beautiful example for your children of what self-respect looks like. And if staying feels like the right path, consider setting firm boundaries and possibly seeking couples therapy—but only if he’s willing to change. Without his commitment to doing the work, the cycle will continue.
Stacey: Thank you, Fractured Pen. That really hit me. I’ve been afraid to admit it, but I think I knew deep down this isn’t healthy. Redirecting that love back into myself… that sounds like something I’ve been needing for a long time.
Fractured Pen: You’ve already started, Stacey, by naming the problem and asking for help. Trust your instincts and take this one step at a time. You’re stronger than you know, and the love you give yourself will ripple outward to everyone in your life. I’m rooting for you. Remember, Stacey, the best relationships don’t leave you questioning your worth—they remind you of it. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a supportive community for parents if you need further encouragement. Check in and give an update when you can.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
