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"Parental" Collection Explores Anxieties of Modern Parenthood

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, January 27th 2026 at 18:38 GMT by The Clarion-Ledger
      Locale: Mississippi, UNITED STATES

A Generation Raised on Uncertainty: 'Parental' Collection Captures the Raw Realities of Modern Parenthood

Jackson, MS - The anxieties and incandescent joys of raising children in the 21st century are being explored with unprecedented intimacy in a newly released collection of essays and poetry, "Parental," published this week by the University Press of Mississippi. The project, spearheaded by editor Catherine Lewis and featuring contributions from prominent contemporary poets, isn't offering sentimental portrayals of family life; instead, it's delivering a stark and honest reflection of the profound psychological and emotional landscape navigated by modern parents.

At its core, "Parental" acknowledges the inherent contradiction at the heart of parenthood: a relentless wellspring of love intertwined with persistent anxieties about shaping a future for another human being. The collection eschews simplistic narratives, recognizing that the experience varies drastically depending on factors like socioeconomic status, geographic location, and, crucially, the unique challenges faced by each family.

Editor Lewis, a professor of poetry at the University of Mississippi, emphasized the collection's intent: "Parenthood is an extraordinary, humbling experience," she stated. "It's a journey of profound love and sacrifice, but it's also a journey filled with uncertainty and fear. This isn't about celebrating perfection; it's about acknowledging the messy, complicated reality."

The anthology boasts a diverse roster of voices, each bringing a distinct perspective to the shared experience. Maggie Smith's essay, "Good Grief," tackles the particularly complex emotional terrain of raising a child with special needs. Smith, known for her unflinching honesty, delves into the profound grief - not just for the limitations of the child, but for the life that might have been, and the constant negotiation of expectations versus reality. The essay is particularly poignant in its portrayal of the societal pressures placed upon parents of children with disabilities, often compounded by a lack of adequate support services.

Ada Limon's poem, "The Long Life," expertly captures the melancholic awareness of time's relentless passage. Limon's work reflects on the bittersweet experience of watching children evolve, a feeling many parents recognize as both beautiful and heartbreaking. The poem's imagery, rich with details of childhood - sticky fingers, scraped knees, whispered secrets - evokes a nostalgic longing for a simpler, less burdened time.

Jericho Brown's essay, "The Weight of Expectations," offers a critical examination of the societal pressure on parents to mold their children into successful, high-achieving individuals. Brown, a Pulitzer Prize-nominated poet, interrogates the implicit assumptions embedded within our cultural narratives of success and explores the potential for parental pressure to damage a child's self-esteem and sense of identity. He argues that true support lies not in demanding achievement, but in fostering a child's inherent passions and resilience.

Beyond these key contributions, the collection features a range of other pieces that explore themes of guilt, self-doubt, the blurring of boundaries between parent and child, and the profound impact of children on one's own sense of self. Several poems directly address the challenges of balancing work and family life, a struggle that continues to disproportionately affect women.

"Each poet brings a unique perspective to the table," Lewis explained. "But they all share a common desire to explore the joys and anxieties of parenthood. We wanted to create a space where parents - and anyone who has experienced the profound impact of raising a child - could find solace and understanding."

"Parental" is available now at bookstores and online retailers. This collection promises to spark conversation and provide a valuable, nuanced perspective on one of the most significant and demanding roles of our time - a role increasingly defined by uncertainty and the urgent need for empathy and support.