Today both of my children started at a new school. For Nuno, it was his first ever day of “Big Boy School.” He is not, however going into Kindergarten because in New Zealand children starting school go to Year 1. With the timing of our move to Australia and now to New Zealand that’s two kids who skipped Kindergarten in this family!

My husband & I have always considered him a very resilient and easy going kid. That is why we were caught off guard last night when he got nervous about his first day. Lana has already had two plays with her friends (more on that later) and got to spend a few days with her ‘girl’ cousin. Because Nuno is all about his ‘mates’ this move has hit him harder than we expected.

Last night, as I went to check on him in bed, he told me that he didn’t have any friends in his class. I assured him he’d have heaps by the end of the day to which he replied, “I don’t remember how to make friends.” His sister overheard and came into his room saying the sweetest things to him. She told him how great he is and how easily he makes friends. She and I both then told him about The Kissing Hand.  As I kissed his right hand I saw what I thought was Lana laughing at us. When I asked her what was so funny she looked at me with tears in her eyes and said, “I am thinking of when I was sad or nervous at school and I would want you and you were not there so I would hold MY hand to my cheek.” We all had a good cry and cuddle before going off to bed to rest up for their big day.

This morning I woke up early to pack their lunches and make sure we were all ready for our day. The reason we have selected the schools we have is because my husband is an “Old Boy.” For Americans that is pretty meaningless, but for Aussies, Kiwis & Poms it’s a big deal. So with that, I present my Old Boy & New Boy.