Traveling with a child when there are two of you is already a challenge. When you are a single mother, the mountain can seem twice as high: everything rests on you, from logistics to budget, not to mention safety and how others perceive you.
In episode 2 of The Parents' House , Jen, a single mother by choice and travel planner, recounts how she traveled alone with her son, by plane, train, road trip and even hiking in Scotland.
Her message is clear: it's not just for others , it's accessible to everyone, with organization, realism, and a good dose of self-compassion. The first step is accepting that travel will no longer be like it was " before ."
Jen relies on online communities of travelling parents, local services such as parent-baby gyms or postpartum groups , and the kindness of strangers willing to carry a suitcase or hold a stroller for a few minutes.
We forget how helpful people can be when they recognize the reality of a parent who is away from home.
Traveling with a child also means passing on something precious: an openness to the world. Even at a young age, they discover new landscapes, different accents, different ways of life. They learn to say hello, to adapt to new places, and not to be afraid of change. Even if they don't remember everything, you'll have images, stories, and photos to share with them later.
For immigrant parents, an additional emotional layer is added: family remaining in the country of origin, grandparents who rarely see grandchildren, the guilt of distance.
Each trip then takes on a special emotional value.
Finally, Jen reminds us of a crucial point: to take care of a child, you must accept taking care of yourself. As a single mother, you are often the pillar of everything. You have the right to be tired, to be afraid, to ask for help, to consult a professional if the burden becomes too heavy.
You also have the right to want to create travel memories with your child, despite everything. If you want to do it, do it.
➡️ And if you want to lighten the load during a stay in Quebec, Bébé Solutions can help you by renting equipment for your little one directly at your destination.
🎧 To go further
This article is inspired by an episode of the podcast La Maison des Parents . To delve deeper into the topic and hear advice from Jen, a single mom, access the full episode .