Pramila Soans, a working mom and mother of a seven-year-old, swears by this method. She says, "I tell him that he has to go to school today and that there is a holiday after two days!"

Yes, this is a little unconventional, but it has been tried and tested. Don't use it too often though or your kid will stop trusting you.

Out with the Old, In with the New!

Most mothers believe in this idea. Even though this is bribery at its subtlest form, well, what works, works!

Sujata Chakravarty, a working mom and mother of an eight-year-old, says, "I prepare my son beforehand. I tell him that he will meet all his friends and that there will be new books. I build up the excitement about getting back to school."

In fact, she makes the whole process fun for him. They cover the books together and her son is  thrilled to write a new class on the labels.

"I also buy him new school bags and pencil boxes," she concludes.

Tough Call

So, your kid is a toughie! How do you crack a hard nut like him?

Kharagpur-based Suprava Pattnaik, mother of a 13-year old, says, "My son is extremely difficult most of the times. He is extremely stubborn, and this is very visible when the summer vacations are coming to an end."

"Usually," she continues, "I start off with the explaining how important it is to get back to school… but if that doesn't work, (and usually it doesn't), then I feel that the rod is the best thing. Don't take it literally, but yes, spanking is a good practice, because his head is impenetrable to words sometimes."

Ideal Kids

How many of you have kids that would be the envy of your friends and neighbours?

Sandra Fernandes, mother of three girls, aged 13, 11, and 5 is just one of them. She says, "I have a problem! My daughters keep complaining that the summer vacations are so long. The school authorities should make the summer holidays shorter."

Her kids watch TV and help around in the house during vacations. But when school reopens, they know they have to stop TV and fun, and they get right to work.

So, do you have any innovative ideas about getting your kids back to school? Share them with us, in our comments section…