As the summer holidays wind down and school starts up, it can be tough to get your children back into the swing of things.  Fortunately, there are some simple tricks you can use to make the adjustment as enjoyable as possible.  Here are some easy tips to help kids beat the back-to-school blues:

1.     Tweak their bedtimes. 

        You try to keep your children on a good bedtime schedule, but that routine inevitably gets thrown off track in the summer months.  Before your little ones head back to the classroom, take a few days to ease them back into going to bed sooner and getting up earlier.  Keep inching that bedtime closer to what it needs to be until the big day finally arrives.  Your kids might complain a bit now, but they'll feel more rested and be in a better mood when that first school bell rings.

2.     Stock up with great gear. 

        While your children may not be very happy about homework, they'll probably be thrilled about picking out cool supplies to help them complete it.  When you hit the stores to gather the needed materials, take your kids along and let them do most of the choosing.  From princess lunch boxes and superhero backpacks to wacky pencils and cute notebooks, there are all kinds of colors and styles your children are sure to love.  They'll be so excited about showing off their new stuff that they just might forget about dreading those book reports and math assignments.

3.     Help them know what's coming. 

        Many educational facilities hold meet-and-greet events with teachers.  If your son or daughter is going to a new school this year, take a trip to the site before classes are in session.   Even if your child is returning to the same school, it may be helpful for him or her to become familiar with a new schedule and unique set of classrooms.  When kids feel more at home in their surroundings, they'll be much more likely to enjoy hitting the books again.

4.     Throw a back-to-school bash.  

        Just because summer's over doesn't mean the fun has to end.  Celebrate the new school year by hosting a back-to-school party for your children and their friends.  You could decorate using chalkboards, apples and school-themed banners.  For the menu, you might offer lunchbox classics like ham and cheese sandwiches, apples, oranges, homemade biscuits, cereal bars and juice boxes. Playing alphabet and number games is another good way to put everyone in learning mode.  By the time the party's over, your kids will be eager to get back to those desks!

        While some children enjoy returning to class, others may need a bit of help to relieve their nervousness and move on from summer.  If your kids aren't on board with the idea of going back to school, the simple tricks on this list can make a big difference in how they feel about beginning a new term.  With these easy tips, you can chase those back-to-school blues away and start the school year off right!