When should you talk to your children about their changing bodies? How do you start the conversation? Le Bonheur physician Cynthia Cross, MD, offers her recommendations on how to handle the tough questions in this video below.

Cross says conversations about puberty should start around the age of 8, depending on the child’s level of understanding.

“Many girls in this country are getting their periods around the age 10, so you want to start before that milestone occurs, and try to do it a relaxed fashion,” she said.

Keeping it simple is important, and don’t be afraid to use resources. “Sometimes pictures are helpful depending on whether your child is very visual,” Cross said.

One good resource is the American Academy of Pediatrics. The Healthy Children site has lots of good information about sexuality, dating and healthy relationships. Read more here. Cross emphasizes that it’s important that parents have these conversations with their children before children hear too much misinformation from their friends.

“The information that parents give should be fairly accurate whereas what kids are getting from their friends may or may not be accurate. It’s a good idea to establish a factual base, and then if they hear something else they’ll probably ask you about the discrepancy. Also talking with them lets them know it’s OK. It’s a natural process that happens to everybody, and there is nothing to be ashamed of,” Cross said.

It’s nearly impossible to keep kids indoors during the summertime. With many fun outdoor activities available, kids are constantly on the go. As a parent, it’s important to make sure your kids are protected from the summer heat and sun.

Cynthia Cross, MD, a Le Bonheur hospitalist and board-certified pediatrician, tells parents to follow the American Academy of Dermatology’s (AAD) guidelines, which recommend that all children, regardless of skin type, should wear a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30. According to Cross, it is not necessary to use a sunscreen with higher SPF levels.

“Any more than 30 is just overkill,” she says.

Cross also says parents should make sure that kids apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, especially if swimming or perspiring. The AAD says the sunscreen you choose should protect from both UVA and UVB rays, as both can cause sunburn and eventually lead to cancer.

“Remember that the sun’s rays are strongest between the hours of 10 a.m.-4 p.m. If outside during that time, kids can wear protective clothing and hats for added protection from the sun,” says Cross.

If your child does get sunburn, avoid using benzocaine products. According to Cross, these products can cause an allergic reaction, and there have been recent reports of benzocaine leading to a condition known as methemoglobinemia, which can cause a bluish skin tone, fatigue and shortness of breath.