Moms Talk: How Do You Explain Grief?

Pull up a chair, grab some coffee and meet weekly to discuss what we care about.

West Bloomfield Patch invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and families right here in West Bloomfield. Our council will meet as often as you would like — in person and right here online. Our Moms Council will take your questions, give advice and share solutions in person and online.

Would you like to join our Moms Council? Please send an email to Tim.Rath@Patch.com.

We start the conversation today with a tough subject that rocked many West Bloomfield residents to their emotional foundations: Peter Catcho, a 17-year-old student at Andover High School in Bloomfield Hills, was found dead at home last week. As the Andover community rallied around the Catcho family, many of Peter's classmates and peers were left wondering how it could have happened.

How do you explain grief to your child? Do you use concepts of spirituality, community and family to help your child cope with grief? Have you ever tried to shield your child from grief? If so, why? If not, do you think exposing your child to grief has a long-term benefit?