As a mother of three school-age children and a teacher for nearly 20 years, Tina Matsuo of Mililani has learned how to manage the back-to-school madness each year by planning ahead — taking steps such as adjusting bedtimes weeks in advance, visiting new schools before the first day and discussing safety.

Other families should take the time now to prepare for the first day of school and new school year as well, said the 42-year-old mom of eighth-, fifth- and first-graders.

"It's so that the children feel prepared and start the school year on a positive note," said Matsuo, who has taught first through sixth grades at Waialua Elementary School for the past 19 years. "It will help get them excited to go back to school."

Are you and your children ready to hustle for the back-to-school bustle? School starts on July 30 for most public school students statewide. Others have already started or will start in the weeks ahead.

How can you avoid morning madness? What should you do about a picky eater? How do you get your child excited about school?

Parents, educators and family experts address those questions and more with these top 10 tips to make the summer-to-school transition smoother for the entire family:

1. Talk to your child. "Whether it's the first day of kindergarten or sixth grade, there is likely some anxiety," said Barbara Higa Rogers, an 'Aiea- and Downtown-based clinical psychologist who works with children and families. ... "It can be helpful to dialogue with your child about how they are feeling and answer, honestly, any questions they may have."

Tell them it's normal to be nervous or scared, said Higa Rogers, who has children in high school and college.

"Most of all, be patient and reassuring with your child, remembering that each child's reaction is unique and we are there to support him or her," she said.

2. Get on schedule. "Start scheduling your child's bedtime and mealtime routines to mirror the school day," said Jennifer Fixman, a fourth-grade teacher at Waikele Elementary School. "Discuss the importance of routines at school and at home."

3. Be a smart and savvy school-supplies shopper. Before shopping, review your child's list, then scope out ads so you know where to get the best deals, said Julia Salvido, a Kapolei kindergarten teacher.

"You may want to make a plan of action so you are not running around ... like a chicken without a head," said Salvido, the mother of fourth- and second-graders, and a 15-month-old.

Salvido also suggests labeling all supplies, and labeling them early.

"I know it's tedious, but when your little one drops a crayon or loses a pencil, this is the only way it will be returned to him or her," she said.

4. Think about safety. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers tips on travelling to and from school at www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/augschool.cfm. Among them: If your children ride their bikes to school, they need to wear helmets, no matter how short or long the ride. If they walk, make sure it's a safe route to and from school, with well-trained crossing guards at every intersection.

5. Establish before- and after-school plans. "Go over where your child should be before school and after school," Matsuo said. "Let your child know who will pick him or her up, or if they will attend an after school care such as A+, YMCA or other programs. Assure them that they will get picked up."

6. Take a family field trip to school before the first day. "Learn where the office, your child's and siblings classes, cafeteria, and play area will be," Matsuo said. "Help your child feel comfortable in their new environment."

7. Send your child to school organized. "Kids are stressed enough with the anxiety about the first day of school, it's important that they feel organized and prepared, and it's our job to facilitate that," Higa Rogers said.

Parents should make sure all of their children's required forms and supplies are ready, and their backpacks are packed and organized, before the first day, she said. Higa Rogers also recommends having children pick out their clothes and pack their backpacks each night throughout the school year to avoid the morning rush.

8. Address your picky eater. "If you would like to start having your 'very picky eater' eat more school lunches, look over the menu (which schools usually provide in advance) and have your child choose two to three days that he or she would like to bring home lunch," Salvido said. "On the other days, he or she needs to try the school lunch."

After awhile, cut back the amount of days they can bring home lunch.

"Students are motivated to try new (foods) when they are really hungry, and through peer pressure," Salvido said.

9. Be excited for your child. "Reassure your child that he or she will be happy and successful at school," Fixman said. "Young children are especially influenced by their parents' levels of confidence or anxiety."

10. Celebrate. "This is an exciting time for everyone," Higa Rogers said. "It's a chance for your child to make new friends, learn new things, have new experiences and create memories that will last a lifetime."

Tell your child how proud you are, and do something special to recognize your child's accomplishment of beginning a new grade or a new school. Go out for shave ice, go to the beach or do something you know he or she will appreciate, Higa Rogers said. Also treat young children, who enjoy surprises, with a note in their lunchbox or a treat in their backpack.

"The more positive we are about their opportunity, the more they will be positive about and engaged in school," Higa Rogers said.