Ode to the First Tantrum

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Ode to the First Tantrum - Columbia SC Moms BlogA writer from a sister site wrote a lovely ode to the wonderful world of 15-month olds. We have just entered that special age, and with it came the very first tantrum. Don’t get me wrong, everything about this age is amazing. The new words, the adventurous spirit, the laughs and little personality. I wouldn’t trade it for a thing. But if there is one thing I have learned from parenting, it is that just when you think you have it all figured out, you suddenly don’t.

My little had his first tantrum recently, like on the floor, kicking and screaming, inconsolable. I know this will be the first of many expressions of distress and all the other big feelings that come with not being able to do what he wants to do, or get what he wants immediately. Feelings are big. Like this love for my baby. It’s the biggest and strongest feeling of all, so I don’t worry about how it will all turn out.

So for now, I will take inspiration from the other blogger’s ode to pen my own. An ode to the first tantrum. 

Hey, baby. Look at your smiling face. Aren’t you just the best?  
But suddenly, for some reason, your face becomes a mask of great distress.

Yes, I did tell you no, you can’t ride that escalator. 
And I know you like to hug, but let’s be more gentle than a football player.

Sweet baby, please don’t eat the toilet plunger or dog food.
Let’s try to divert your attention and tart this angry mood.

OMG, here it comes. You’re lying on the floor, kicking and screaming. 
My angel baby has suddenly become a slightly possessed and scary demon.

Can’t I talk you off a ledge, and maybe reason with you, child?
It’s difficult to do so when you’re acting increasingly wild. 

I’ll just wait right here until you’re finished with this rage.
Does that happen now, or do I wait until you’re a much older age?

Okay. We made it through. I’m shell shocked to say the least.
I think we did okay. And next time this will be a more familiar beast.

Your red and tear streaked face is still as cute as it can be.
Mean old mommy has to keep you safe, and when you’re older, you will see.

I love you more than anything, and these big feelings are all brand new.
We’ll navigate it together just like everything else we go through.

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Sarah Shuster
Sarah grew up in Lancaster, SC but has called Columbia home for nearly 10 years since her undergrad days at Presbyterian College. Columbia holds a special place in her heart, as it’s where she got her first “grown up” job, obtained her Masters of Library and Information Science degree from USC, and met her husband, Todd. She became a mother for the first time three years ago to Todd’s two sweet daughters, and loves watching them grow into unique and interesting young ladies (12 & 14) who inspire her daily. She is also experiencing life with an infant for the first time with their newest family member, a silly, happy 6-month-old baby boy. Sarah is a full time children’s librarian, and loves that her passion and her career have aligned to form dreamy days of sharing her love of literacy and learning with children and families. Sarah enjoys practicing her cake decorating skills, reading, brunch, ridiculously long showers (a luxury now with an infant), working out, good coffee and perfecting the art of crockpot cooking.

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