School exam season is in full swing, and while most parents’ main concern is ensuring their children can gear up for their A levels, GCSEs or SATS without any distractions, for children experiencing grief or managing their feelings around a loved one’s illness, their priorities and experiences can be different. It's fair to say that when stress levels are at their peak, we can all find things difficult, but dealing with exams while experiencing grief or anticipatory grief can feel insurmountable.

If you are the parent of a child or young person in this situation, it’s important to recognise that they may be feeling overwhelmed with how to process their feelings, or finding it difficult to carve out time for revision or even to see it as worthy or important.

Some individuals and families that I have recently supported here at Trinity have told me that they experience brain fog, find it difficult to concentrate and motivate themselves. A few have reflected on their ambivalence about what the future holds and have questioned its importance, whilst some have said studying gives them a focus and a welcome distraction from facing the reality of losing their loved ones.

It’s important that a child or young person is reassured that whatever they are feeling is valid. The charity Winston’s Wish has a great resource via their Talk Grief hub offering tips for how to cope with studying for exams whilst you are grieving.

 

The tips include:

• Acknowledge that you're grieving
• Set realistic goals
• Create a schedule
• Be kind to yourself
• Make time for coping techniques
• Reach out for support

However, your child may be feeling if they are managing grief or the illness of a loved one during exam season, Royal Trinity Hospice can help with specialist support from our Patient and Family Support team for those with a loved one who is or was under our care. Contact Priya Patel, Senior Social Worker, Children and Families to understand how we can help: [email protected].

Find out more about our support for children