Many parents are struggling with what to tell their children regarding last week's violent attack in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Experts say it is important to set time aside to have a thorough chat with children about what happened.

"Make it a planned discussion, don't wing it," says Gardith Marcelin, a licensed psychologist. "Because there are a lot of hot-button issues and there's so many different ways that you can have a conversation in a way that makes you feel comfortable "

But that doesn't mean having the conversation is a good idea for every child. Experts advise to stay away from the topic unless the child is mature enough for the discussion.

While some parents may want to shy away from the subject altogether, Marcelin says it is important to talk about these issues.

"If we're uncomfortable and we avoid, they'll see that," Marcelin says. "They'll get the message that these kinds of things are not OK to discuss and you know it's really important that kids feel at least capable of tolerating some of their own feelings."

Marcelin suggests turning to the professionals if the conversation is too difficult.

Go HERE for an extended interview with Marcelin.