How do you document becoming a parent when your baby arrives five weeks early and catapults you into a world you're still trying to understand?
Join acclaimed journalist and author Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett as she presents The Republic of Parenthood: On Bringing Up Babies, a fearless and deeply moving selection of her pioneering Guardian articles about the parenting journey.
"If you are reading this, it means that I have just become a mother."
Rhiannon 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 parenthood: a world of crushing love, and fear, and hope.
Co-author of The Vagenda and author of the critically acclaimed memoir The Year of the Cat, Rhiannon brings her signature blend of personal insight and political awareness to this essential exploration. As a columnist for the Guardian and Vogue, she has established herself as one of the UK's most important voices on family, health, and social justice.
In conversation with comedian and writer, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, the two will use razor-sharp honesty and humour to tackle the unique challenges facing a new generation of parents. From the impact of Britain's inadequate childcare system to the quest for socks that can withstand a persistent toddler's best efforts, they navigate the messy experience of modern parenthood.
"I am so grateful for Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett's groundbreaking essays on parenthood. She is a truly fearless writer, taking on the politics of parenting, the social injustices, but also – vitally – the love, joy, and absolute silliness involved in raising children." Becky Barnicoat, author of Cry When the Baby Cries

The ‘stream and book’ package includes a unique ticket for the stream, and a copy of The Republic of Parenthood: On Bringing Up Babies (RRP £18.99) deliverable to any UK or international address.
The event will initially be broadcast on 7 August at 6.30pm UK time. It will be available to view up to two weeks after the event has ended and can be accessed Worldwide. If you live in a time zone that does not suit the initial broadcast time you can watch it at any point after the initial showing for two weeks.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].