Kirsten Schilder: ‘All those new things in 2023 give me a contradictory feeling’

Photography: Kee & Kee

Kirsten Schilder (39) is a columnist for Kek Mama. She is married to singer Nick Schilder and mother of Nikki (12), Julian (10) and Jackie (5).

The year has only just begun. The first steps towards exciting adventures feel like a fresh start. Yet a feeling comes over me that is contradictory to this fledgling ‘newness.’ It will be a year of many last times.

Last times, starting new ones

Nikki is just twelve years old and will finish her primary school period this year. Going to school on foot for the last time, because the secondary school she has in mind is a lot further from home. We really enjoyed the comfort of having three children in the same school. Is it naive that you hardly ever think about the finiteness of something, because it feels so familiar? The ritual morning walk with the whole family to school will no longer be possible from September being Nikki. At most she will give us a fleeting wave, wish us a nice day from her bike and then whiz past us. As Nikki proudly walked to school with her birthday treat, a friend cheerfully shouted: “This is the very last time you will treat!” Before I knew it tears were running down my cheeks from sadness.

Another last one this year: in April the very last concert of Nick & Simon will take place in Ahoy Rotterdam. Speaking of closing things, but there is also room for new things. Nick had already planned to tour alone in the fall of 2023 and release a solo album. A new start for him.

“Before I knew it, tears were streaming down my cheeks from sadness.”

Family expansion

And a new Painter has recently been added. The handsome dog Doefie has recently become part of our family. And while it brings new responsibilities, it also creates a new dynamic in our home. Taking care of a puppy is a lot of work. And that while I was just getting used to my new freedoms now that the children are becoming more independent. Still, I think this is the best imaginable gift we could give to our children.

So far, every ending in 2023 means the start of a new adventure. In that regard, this year is going according to plan so far.

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