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The Republic of Parenthood: On Bringing Up Babies
‘If you are reading this, it means that I have just become a mother'
Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett began writing The Republic of Parenthood in the final weeks of her pregnancy. The plan was to document, in real time, what it means to be a parent in Britain today. But when her son was born five weeks early, she found herself catapulted into a world of crushing love, and fear, and hope.
Drawn from Cosslett’s agenda-setting Guardian column, The Republic of Parenthood is a fearless account of the first years of this new life. From Rachel Cusk to Anne Enright, many seminal writers have tackled the subject but, as a new generation become parents, Cosslett uses razor-sharp honesty and great humour to explore the unique challenges they face.
The Republic of Parenthood wrestles with the entire joyful, overwhelming, messy experience, whether writing about the impact of Britain’s catastrophic childcare system, or the quest for the pair of socks that can withstand a persistent toddler's best efforts. At its heart is the understanding that something so entirely personal is also political; a paeon to love and pain, and one that will resonate with weary parents everywhere.
Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett began writing The Republic of Parenthood in the final weeks of her pregnancy. The plan was to document, in real time, what it means to be a parent in Britain today. But when her son was born five weeks early, she found herself catapulted into a world of crushing love, and fear, and hope.
Drawn from Cosslett’s agenda-setting Guardian column, The Republic of Parenthood is a fearless account of the first years of this new life. From Rachel Cusk to Anne Enright, many seminal writers have tackled the subject but, as a new generation become parents, Cosslett uses razor-sharp honesty and great humour to explore the unique challenges they face.
The Republic of Parenthood wrestles with the entire joyful, overwhelming, messy experience, whether writing about the impact of Britain’s catastrophic childcare system, or the quest for the pair of socks that can withstand a persistent toddler's best efforts. At its heart is the understanding that something so entirely personal is also political; a paeon to love and pain, and one that will resonate with weary parents everywhere.
- GenresNonfictionParenting
240 pages, Hardcover
Published October 7, 2025
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86 people want to read
About the author
Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett
6 books33 followersRhiannon Lucy Cosslett is a columnist, feature writer and editor for The Guardian newspaper. She is the author of two novels, one memoir, and a collection of her parenthood writing.
She was born in Islington, grew up in Wales, spent time living in France and Italy, and has now returned to her birthplace, where she lives with her husband, son, and Mackerel, her cat.
She was born in Islington, grew up in Wales, spent time living in France and Italy, and has now returned to her birthplace, where she lives with her husband, son, and Mackerel, her cat.
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February 9, 2026
Big fan. Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett writes about parenthood just like it is, in such a realistic and honest way. The introduction alone made me laugh, nod in agreement and want to cry because it was so relatable. What really resonated with me was when Cosslett wrote that all this modern overload of information online and unsolicited information coming from everywhere makes new mothers not follow and/or trust their instincts - ouch, so true and horrible. This book is full of great stuff, powerful stuff but it’s also hopeful and non judgmental. I must’ve dog-eared every other page! I can’t recommend it enough to any other parent or parent to be, especially who - like me - lives in Britain. So, so good.
Displaying 1 of 1 review