For some reason, summer always appears to be too short for both parents and children. Summer vacation more often than not, appears to be a very brief pause in between the end of school year and its beginning. This often leaves children stuck in the ''back to school blues'' while parents are often rushing to help their kids get those summer assignments done and purchasing back to school supplies.

However, it does not have to be this way. A lot can be done to be better prepared for the big first school day and to even get children enthusiastic about it. The secret to all of this is to not leave shopping for school supplies as a last minute ordeal, and to rather get ready in advance and in a calm, relaxed matter.

Get those Assignments Done

If the child has several assignments yet to finish, it is best to advise and help the child to finish them. This will eventually leave the child with some spare days to spend engaging in their favorite activities before school starts. Some parents in particular, like to spend one last week camping or fishing at a lake, just to relax and spend some quiet quality time before the hectic hustle and bustle school routine returns.

Shop for School Supplies

Shopping for school supplies can be a very fun activity. Take your child along and purchase some necessities but leave also some money aside for some novelties that will make the child excited about going back to school.

Pens, paper, erasers, calculators, may be quite boring items to purchase in a child's eyes, but backpacks featuring the child's favorite cartoon characters, colorful zipper binders and collectible lunch boxes may be really fun things to shop for. Stores can feature a variety of great deals when school time approaches. Mass merchandisers and chain stores such as Walmart, Staples, and Target may offer some great deals on school supplies.

Get The Routine Back

A few weeks prior to the official beginning of school, it is a good idea to allow your children to go to bed early and wake up early as well. This may be challenging, but eventually will help your child adjust without having to deal with the difficulty of getting up early because of all those summer late bed time hours spent under the stars.

Listen to Your Child

If your child is sad or worried about returning to school, listen to your child and allow him or her to talk. It could be he is worried about other kids returning to bully him on the bus, or it could be she may be scared of that mean school teacher. Talking and listening may allow the child to feel better. Sharing some positive personal experiences of your past school days may be helpful. If your child dislikes another child, tell her how you befriended a child by inviting her to a party.

Provide Books About Going Back to School

This may help your child get better into the mood of going back to school. Most books make the event of going back to school appear as a special and exciting one. Children will eagerly read the book and will ultimately think of the great things that come along with going back to school, such as making new friends, learning something new and getting to do cool projects.

As seen, there is a lot both parents and children may do to be prepared for the big day. If a positive and relaxed attitude is instilled in the days prior to school, very likely the back to school blues will dissipate and be replaced by some unexpected enthusiasm.