It’s that time again. That time to trade in the loose (OK, lazy) routines of summer for the fixed schedules that a new school year requires: set school drop-off times, regular homework routines and other rituals (read: more caffeine) to get the household humming again.

Amidst all the gearing up, the school-supply shopping and excitement of starting another school year, here are 3 things I wish for my daughter as she embarks on her journey into first grade.

1. I wish for you to find learning fun

I read somewhere that how a student experiences her first years of elementary school can shape her attitude toward learning for life. I wish for you a teacher and classmates that not only inspire you to learn but nurture a curiosity for knowledge. I want you to know learning can be fun – even when it’s not brought to you by a red, furry puppet. I want you to be curious, to ask questions and to be nosy because knowledge is exciting and because you genuinely want to know “why we float in water but don’t float in air,” what the word “doppelganger” means, and why it sounds so funny.

2. I wish for you to find friends who love you and make you happy

I want you to find good friends who make going to school exciting and fun for you. I know (and fear) that there is plenty of time to get hurt or snubbed when you go off to high school,so for now, I want you to find friends that you’ll giggle with in the bathroom, that you can’t wait to play with at recess and that you’ll be dying to see Monday morning. I hope you’ll find pals who allow you to experience the delight of childhood bonds, camaradie and endless play dates: people who just make you happy.

3. I wish for you to make good choices when I’m not there

Going back to school means that I won’t be there to care for you at every moment, so it means that you will be largely on your own to make the right decisions. I’m not only talking about the basics that I hope I’ve instilled in you like “Wash your hands” or “Flush,” but the broader knowledge of what’s right and wrong: to be nice to others, but you don’t have to be a pushover; to show respect to others, but above all, yourself; to share a lot, but never germs. Back to school means Mommy must “let go” and leave you to make your own choices. I know you can do it. I just hope I can do it.

I wish these 3 things for you in school and, frankly, in life. Here we go, my darling. Welcome back to school!