Beat the 'back to school' blues

We have all felt that tinge of dread when convenience stores replace sunscreen with school supplies, and clothing stores replace bathing suits with khakis and polos.

It's enough to make any child groan, wishing for just one more week of backyard swimming, popsicle licking, bicycle riding and sleeping in until noon.

While saying goodbye to summer break is never easy, there are plenty of things to look forward to with the start of school.

To ease the transition, both parents and students can do their part.

For parents with younger children, make a habit of spending time with them outdoors after school, showing them that summer break may end, but outside fun doesn't have to.

To relieve him or her of back to school anxiety, acknowledge it, and say it's OK to feel nervous, especially if he or she is transitioning from one school to another.

Remind your child of a change they've experienced before, adding that this will not be any harder to deal with.

It's also important to establish routines when school starts, from bedtimes to healthier meals to homework time. Take advantage of weekends to relax a bit, and loosen the rigid structure of weekly schedules.

If getting your child to complete homework requires constant nagging, explain why homework is important in the first place: It shows the teacher what you know, and it's a relief to complete it sooner than later.

For students, no matter what age, starting a new school year signals the end of a fun-filled break, but it also welcomes plenty of fall activities.

Try to focus on the positives, like catching up with friends you haven't seen over the summer, or pep rallies, or Friday night football games.

Treat the new start as a time for "New (School) Year Resolutions," like being more organized, procrastinating less or making time to eat breakfast.

Once you develop these better habits, school may not seem so intimidating.

While you may be tempted to stay up late on school nights, giving yourself plenty of time to sleep will put you in a better mood for school the next day.

Think about that feeling you get when your alarm clock goes off and you think, "I should have gone to bed earlier."

You should also remind yourself that Labor Day weekend kicks of the start of a fun season of holidays, followed by Halloween, then Thanksgiving, and before you know it, Christmas.

Basically, your attitude about school is what determines your experience at school.

If you dread it, it won't be much fun.

But if you accept that you've gotta go, you'll find that school becomes enjoyable.