As we get our children ready for their summer activities, we know we need to pack certain items for their safety: the bug spray to guard against mosquitoes and other pests, sunscreen to protect against burning, water bottles and snacks to keep them hydrated and fed, and maybe a few band aids for those inevitable bumps and bruises. We think automatically about these things because we want to protect our kids and keep them safe from harm. But, we also need to think about other things that could potentially harm them – other people.

The school year is coming to an end, and there are endless requests and advertisements for summer babysitters, camps, playdates, carpools, and extended visits with family. We’re striving for the right balance between supervision and freedom, entertainment and healthy boredom. There are likely to be a variety of activities and people our children will be involved with, which means we need to remain vigilant and keep open communication about body safety.

Talking about sex isn’t easy for anyone. For parents, even the idea of talking to kids about sex is uncomfortable. But today we find ourselves in the painful position of having to talk to kids about sexual harassment, and the kind of inappropriate behavior that has become a staple of the news lately. Some of what’s being reported is, frankly, awful.

So it’s tempting to avoid talking about it. But that’s a mistake. The number one thing I would tell parents is do not ignore it. That will not make it go away.

As violence erupted in Charlottesville, Va., Saturday, with three killed and dozens injured at one of the largest white nationalist rallies in a decade, TV screens and newsfeeds across America were filled with images of chaos and terror.

While politicians including Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Senator Dianne Feinstein reacted by condemning the attacks, calling for “hope and prayers for peace” and reminders that “violent acts of hate and bigotry have no place in America,” parents seeing the news were faced with a dilemma that’s becoming an increasing concern for American families: if, and how, to talk about violence and racism with their children.

Mental health experts and parents discussed their experiences Saturday, and shared advice for talking to children about the violence in Charlottesville. Here are their tips:

Advice on when to expect an allergy, how to manage allergies, and possible medical remedies.