Nervous to take toddler out alone

[StyleOfTheTimes]

This might sound really silly to some people but I get really nervous taking my toddler out on my own. I’m not even sure what I’m worried about really but I feel better if there’s someone else with us. Does anyone else feel like this?
Today I’ve actually stepped out of my comfort zone and booked us a place at a soft play centre I’ve never been to a couple of towns away. I’m already getting anxious as it means driving and finding my way there. But I didn’t want to get stuck in all day with the weather being rubbish.

I know exactly how you feel. My baby was 12 weeks old when the first lockdown came along and therefore we’ve never really been anywhere. I’m also not the primary carer so haven’t had that practice. I’m impressed that you’ve booked soft play, I haven’t even felt confident enough to take my toddler to the playground on my own yet.

I think you are doing the right thing, pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. I hope to have your bravery soon!

Understand you!
Well done for taking this first step! The first time is the hardest but your confidence will grow!
Google map for directions and have a great time!

I feel this way some times about taking both my kids out together. I think in part it’s because we haven’t been anywhere for year.

Yep I feel that way with my 3 year old at the moment!! I think it's due to lockdown, and the uncertainty of how he will behave - even though he's usually a complete gem! I'm doing the same as you and just getting on with it anyway but it does give me that anxious feeling in my stomach lol

When the DC's were little I couldn't believe I was being left in charge of babies. It seemed a ridiculous mistake.
Plan your journey so you feel like the route is familiar before you set off. Take drinks and snacks, and a bottle to pee in. Take the camera and batteries to prove to yourself you did it. Then wing it.

I remember the first times I took my newly placed for adoption 2.5yo out on my own.
Rocking up to the park, or a playgroup, or swimming pretending I knew what I was doing!
If you are out of practice do small steps first, somewhere where you can go home easily if you want to.
Good luck.

I wish I could feel like this! I’m a single mum to 4 so have no choice but to take them all out alone otherwise we wouldn’t go anywhere, I’m always on my own so use to it. I wish I had someone to take them out with 😂

Felt the same with DC1 as a baby and then when first taking out both DC together (a newborn and a 22-month-old).

As others have said, the key is to start small but just do it and try not to think about it much. The more you do, the easier it will be.

Good luck!

Thank you all so much for your replies, it’s nice to know I’m not the only person who feels this way! Our first proper solo outing was a success overall! We had lots of fun just the 2 of us and apart from a few minor setbacks it was great. I couldn’t find the car parking but instead of having a meltdown, I just phoned the place and asked them to direct me from where i had stopped. Even though I had a rough idea of where the place was I followed the sat nav and tbh I was right and the sat nav took me on a route that was longer. So next time I’ll know where to go, how long to leave to get there and what to expect.