Another year, another grade. I vividly remember 4th grade, so it’s surreal to have a fourth grader of my own. And my sweet boy is in first grade now and growing taller and more inquisitive each day.

At the start of each year, we like to sit down and have a family meeting to talk about our goals for the school year. Almost like setting New Year’s resolutions. This year, we did the same. I want my kids—our whole family—to learn, grow and thrive this year, but these are my three wishes I have for my children as they head back to school.

1. Making new friends

Since we moved last year, the kids are starting at a new school this year. It’s hard going to a new place and not knowing anyone. I got a message after the first day of school from my daughter saying it was recess and she didn’t have anyone to play with. My heart broke after hearing that, but when she came home, she told me that someone came up to her to show her around and she’s played with people every day since. I hope that each of them makes a good friend this year.

2. Setting the Stage for Creativity

Setting the stage for my kids’ creativity is key – and one of the ways that I do this is by making sure the spaces where they work and play are clean. Even if it’s just an art project on the dining room table or a DIY science experiment on the kitchen counter, I make a point to clear it off and wipe it down with Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. Having this clean space is a lot like a blank canvas for my kids. It invites them to focus and be creative – even if it means making a mess all over again!

3. Fun learning

One of the most beneficial sides to homeschooling I saw was the ability to tailor our lessons in a way that made them interesting. History involved acting, math involved movement, and reading lessons were done in a way that involved touching and feeling wooden letters. Science was messy! I hope this year comes with a lot more fun, messy and creative learning. Like volcanos on the kitchen table. Or homemade papier-mâché solar systems. No matter what they’re working on, we have Clorox Disinfecting Wipes for an easy clean up!

I think that making learning fun is an important part of the process at this age, and I’m going to work to do my part to help make that happen at home.

3. Growing together

We had a family meeting and talked about our plans to continue our weekly movie nights and get back into reading bedtime stories together. As the kids grow up, I’m hoping our family will continue to grow closer together, and we’re trying to keep traditions in place to do that.

From new friends, clean starts, messy learning, and family traditions, I’m excited for what’s in store for this new school year.

Now until September 14, you can also share where your kids work and play outside of the classroom for the chance to win $5K toward your own Ultimate Clean Space Makeover at home! For more, visit http://bit.ly/Clorox-Clean-Spaces to get exclusive tips and tricks to create a best-in-class clean. You can get a coupon just for participating!

Tags: activities, family, family time, kids fun, school