
2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 18:44
For the 2018 edition, host Benoît Gagnon will act as the Show's sponsor. Papa X3, his children are at the heart of his life. Interview with a father with today's realities and strong family values.

An Involved Sponsor
When the president and founder of the Salon, Louise Benoît, approached him to become the new spokesperson, it was without hesitation that the host accepted. Having frequented the salon himself as a dad, he felt challenged.
“I am very happy to take on this role because I feel in my place, explains Benoî. I feel all the more involved because my family reality resembles many others in Quebec. I have a blended family and my first 2 children, Mathieu and Sophie, have a big age difference with Charles, the youngest. Like everyone else, I run and I try to spend as much time as possible with my children. In short, like many parents, I live everything at the same time. »
A current parental vision
When we talk about parenthood with Benoît Gagnon, one concept comes up: that of balance.
“Several years ago, he said, I read that 85% of parents did not passmore than 10 minutes a day with their children. 10 minutes! I told myself that I wouldn't do that. So I always planned my schedule around theirs. Also, I respect the fact that my children have their own life, after all they are teenagers, but I am non-negotiable to demand that we stop, that we isolate ourselves the 5 and that we share good times together. Eating together is also very important to me. A bequest from my parents of whom I am very proud. »
He continues: “I also established a concept for everything, and above all, for everyone to be well. I practice 5-2-1. Number five is our family, my girlfriend, my 3 children and me. It's about spending quality time together. Two, it's my couple, this team that I form with my girlfriend. One is me continuing to realize myself as an individual through projects. When we have clarified all that, that the concept is shared by all, no one feels guilty for devoting time to themselves. It greatly reduces conflicts and we live more in the present moment without guilt. »
To fully live your paternity
Even though he has several projects in progress and already has a 28-year career, the host says he realizes himself through his children:
“Having children is the greatest and most beautiful responsibility. I take my role as a father very seriously. I find it normal to get involved, to change diapers for example. I like to see mothers make more room for fathers and that the latter realize that getting involved in the lives of their children is reallytrippy. Last year I was happy to see that the fathers I met at the Salon were there because they wanted to be there. They weren't just for carrying the bags or taking care of the stroller. They were there to get information, to ask questions. »

The Salon, always a must
In the era of social networks and online shops is there still room for the Salon?
“Certainly! There's nothing like meeting the people who designed the articles or promulgate the services. Nothing can replace direct contact. I like the idea of being able to see, touch and test before buying. For new parents it's great to be able to see and compare everything in one place. »
Trust yourself
Expecting a child is very worrying. No instruction manual comes with it. To her 1st child the nurse said “trust yourself”. The best advice he received and that he in turn gives.
“These days, with the sea of information that social media can give you in seconds, the parenting instinct has become a little soft. We should trust each other much more than strangers on Facebook, for example. If we make the decision to become a parent, it is because somewhere, we have felt the call of parenthood and we are ready to embark on this crazy adventure. And then, being a parent can be learned. For my part, I like to say that I have the best tickets 1era row to attend thespectacle of their lives. »
To chat with Benoît Gagnon, come and meet him at the official launch of the 26th Maternity Paternity Children's Fair in Montreal on Thursday, April 5 at 2 p.m. and at the Maternity Paternity Children's Fair in Quebec Friday, April 20 at 2 p.m.
To make sure you don't forget anything about the Maternity Paternity and Children Fair:
Montreal
When? April 5-8, 2018
Hours? Thursday and Friday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where? Place Bonaventure, Montreal. How much? $15 adults, $12 seniors/students. Free 12 and under.
Quebec
When? April 20 to 22, 2017
Hours? Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where? ExpoCité, Quebec. How much? $15 adults, $12 seniors/students. Free 12 and under.
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