The first day of school jitters can affect different people in different ways. For young children, this is especially true. While some kids might feel excited to start the new year in a new classroom, with a new class schedule, teachers, and new friends — others are completely terrified of the change. And it’s completely okay. So when an 8-year-old boy helped his classmate deal with the first day of school jitters by holding his hand as they both walked into school, our hearts couldn’t help but melt. 

On August 14, a photo of 8-year-old Christian Moore holding his classmate’s hand, Connor Crites, during their first day of the second grade at the Minneha Elementary School in Wichita, Kansas. It was the purest moment on the internet in weeks.

Crites told local reporters that he was having a difficult day and that his classmate, Christian Moore, extended his hand to him in a kind gesture. “He was kind to me,” the second-grader told KAKE. “I started crying and then he helped me. And, I was happy. He found me and held my hand and I got happy ears.” 

Moore’s mother, the second-grader who reached out to Crites after he saw he was struggling during his first day of school, wrote on Facebook that she was “so proud of her son.” 

“[He saw] a kid balled up into a corner crying, so he went to console him, grabbed his hand and walked him inside of the school! It is an honor to raise such a loving, compassionate child! He’s a kid with a Big heart, the first day of school started off write, she wrote in the caption.” 

While this is such a simple and sweet gesture, it’s important to highlight the importance of this because we don’t see it often. 

(Photo credit: Courtney Coko Moore)

Sometimes children aren’t super comfortable with showing a softer side, especially in school, so to see this happen among two young boys gives a bit of hope that we can see more and more moments like this.

Moore’s Facebook photo quickly gained a lot of attention and has been shared over 27,000 times in a matter of days. It’s also gotten over 21,000 likes and over 7,000 comments. 

Folks shared their positive thoughts in Moore’s Facebook comments calling the moment “beautiful” and other comments told the mother that the photo warmed their hearts.

(Photo credit: Courtney Coko Moore/Facebook comments)

One commentator said the 8-year-old’s actions were a testament to what a wonderful mother she is. (We definitely agree with that!)

Other people continued to root him on and express how it makes them happy to see young kids support each other in this way. 

(Photo credit: Courtney Coko Moore/Facebook comments)

After all, it shows our future generations supporting one another. We’re so glad that other young kids who might come across this post will see how they, too, can show kindness through their actions in someone else’s moment of need. It doesn’t take a lot to be kind or lend a helping hand, and 8-year-old Christian Moore is a perfect example of that.

Most importantly, however, April Crites, the mother of the other boy in the photo, also came across the post.

“Tell your son I said thank you so very much! That little boy he helped is my son and is autistic,” Crites commented on Moore’s post, according to KWCH-TV. “I worry every day that he is going to get bullied for being different and your son just absolutely warmed my heart. If there were more children like him I wouldn’t worry about such things.” 

No parent should have to live with that fear when sending his/her daughter/son to school every morning. Children should be taught to be kind to one another instead of bully each other. So, we’re definitely glad that there are parents raising their kids to act out of compassion and empathy first and foremost, like those of 8-year-old Christian Moore. 

According to KWCH-TV, Crites, the mother of the boy who was feeling anxious on his first day of school, struggles with speech. She also hopes that this could be the start of a beautiful friendship between the two boys after sharing this moment together. 

Crite’s mother also went on comment on Moore’s Facebook post that “it doesn’t matter color, it doesn’t matter gender, it doesn’t matter disability, and it doesn’t matter anything, just be kind, open your heart… it’s what we need in this world.” 

We can totally get behind this sentiment. This moment should serve as an example and as a testament to what kindness can do. 

No matter if it’s your first day of third grade or the first day of senior year, we can all agree that going back to school is rough.

After a long, restful summer with fun in the sun, all of a sudden you have mami waking you up and shaking you to get dressed and ready at an ungodly hour. You’re worried about what you’re going to wear, the classes you’re going to take and everything that comes with the dark, unknown territory of a new year.

But don’t sweat, we’ve put in the legwork to help make sure you’re prepared for the year ahead. Check out some of our top finds for back to school:

First things first, you need the perfect mochila.

And we got you! This mitú backpack is perfect for going back to school, is water resistant and all the pockets give plenty of room for all your supplies, including a hidden pocket with zipper for your laptop (or stash of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.) Get it here.

Or, if you’re a little more sweet – no prob – this is the backpack for you.

Since sweet is how you like to live your life, represent with this medium-sized backpack. Perfect for school or for just stowing your stuff, this backpack even has a pocket specially designed for your laptop. The material is water-resistant and it’s designed to be ergonomic so don’t be afraid to load it up and get on with your day. Buy here.

And with all that learning you’ll be doing, you’re gonna need a spot to write things down and take notes.

As a student you’ve got loads to do. So keep it all organized while flying your Latinx Pride. Take notes, create to-do lists, organize your schedule in these fierce af notebooks from Very That. Buy here.

Wanna show how real your thirst for Bad Bunny is? Walmart’s got you!

The Bad Bunny line of libretas comes in three different designs based on BB album art and featuring the Puerto Rican rapper. Available at Walmart.

Or you wanna embrace your Latinidad?

Then you need these notebooks! You always hustling, on the go, and these let everyone know just how real the Latino Hustle really is. Shop here.

You’re also gonna need a pencil pouch/makeup kit and this is legit the perfect one.

Sometimes you need a delicious sweet treat. Sometimes you need a pencil. This concha pencil case can at least help you with one of those things. Designed to keep all your pencils and pens together, this pouch is perfect to use as a catch-all for anything you’re looking to store. Available here.

Then there’s our limited edition Dora and the Lost City of Gold Barrio Box survival kit.

In our limited edition Dora and the Lost City of Gold Barrio Box there are many treasures to discover but some are especially suited for your back to school prep. The Drawstring Survival Pack, Adventure Fuel Reusable Water Bottle and Educated Latina Pencil Pack are perfect for your return to the jungle that is higher education. Be warned — only 100 of these boxes exist so get yours soon before they sell out.

And I don’t think you’ll find any notepads out there that make more of a statement than these do.

You can find them here.

And we know you want/need the perfect reusable water bottle.

If you’re thirsty AF and need to be quenched, then look no further than our splashing new Mermaid Guacardo Water Bottle. No other reusable water bottle features this majestic underwater avocado! Get yours today and savor that wetness!