Just thinking about it makes your heart race: " What if my child cries the whole way? What if I can't do it alone? What if everyone judges me? "
If you recognize yourself in this, you're not alone. In episode 3 of the podcast La Maison des Parents , Eve recounts how she transformed this fear into a real motivation to dare to travel alone with her son.
💛 Transforming fear into strength
Eve describes herself as a rather introverted person, the kind who's afraid of many things. Yet, she decided not to let this fear dictate her life as a mother.
On the contrary, she uses it as a superpower : something that forces her to prepare, to think, to organize... and then to forge ahead anyway.
✈️ His first major challenges
Her first big challenge: a trip to Europe with her 18-month-old son. First to Austria with the father, then alone to join her family in Italy.
She chooses a night train , books a cabin, prepares snacks, milk, spare clothes, and takes inspiration from the book " Baby Traveler " so as not to forget anything.
Result: Noa sleeps , not really, but she arrives in Italy with this very strong feeling of having accomplished something for herself and for her son.
The second stage, even more daunting: the return flight from Rome to Montreal, alone with her child. The same fear, the same little voice wavering between " just stay home and be quiet " and " you can do it ".
Eve once again chooses the second option. She anticipates the critical moments : diaper changes in tiny toilets, sore ears, fatigue, boredom. She prepares surprises, some screen time, simple hand games, snacks, and above all, her best ally: the baby carrier .
The baby carrier gives her hands free, a feeling of security, and allows her to walk down the aisle when her son needs to move around. The flight isn't " perfect " (no trip with a young child ever is), but it goes well.
🌟 The real lesson: moving forward with fear is still moving forward.
And most importantly, Eve comes away with proof: yes, she is capable. That's where the parents' " superpower " truly shines. It's not about being zen at all times or controlling everything. It's about taking that extra step, even when you're trembling.
Accepting that fear is present, but not letting it dictate all decisions. What her story reminds us is that there's no need to do everything at once. We can take it step by step : a weekend a few hours' drive away, a first train journey, a flight with another person, then a trip alone with her child. Each successful experience builds confidence for the next.
👶 And what about the child in all of this?
He sees a mother who dares, who pushes herself , who continues to live what she loves and includes him in her adventures. Even if he doesn't remember all the details, these experiences are imprinted somewhere, in his way of approaching the world and believing in himself.
If you too dream of travelling with your child without waiting for " the right moment ", Eve's message is simple: start small, prepare yourself... and dare.
Fears will never completely disappear, but they can become your superpower.
➡️ And if you are planning a stay in Quebec, Bébé Solutions can help you lighten the mental and material load a little by renting strollers , wagons , travel beds and other essentials directly at your destination.
That way, you save your energy for what's essential: experiencing that famous trip you've been putting off for too long.
🎧 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 Eve, a mother, artist, and future art therapist , access the full episode .