How to Thank a Food Allergy Caregiver

by Rachel Hayden, Author of Mom vs. Food Allergy Blog and Support Group Leader

Raising a child with food allergies cannot be done alone. It just can’t. Without having a tribe of caring friends and caregivers surrounding you, keeping a food allergy child safe is nearly impossible. I’m blessed to be surrounded by many sweet folks that help keep my son, Nathan, safe whether he be at church, our homeschool co-op, or at a friend’s house. You may have that special teacher or day care worker that simply goes the extra mile to put a smile on your child’s face. Whoever that special person is, it’s thoughtful to say “thank you” once in a while, just to show how much you appreciate them. 

Sometimes it’s hard to know just how to say “thank you” to someone who has done something so special. How can you possibly thank them appropriately for being such a helpful person in keeping your child alive? You know the saying, “It’s the thought that counts”, really is true. However you say “thank you”, is appropriate, but just do it. Here are my favorite ways to say “thank you” to that very special someone who makes a difference in you and your child’s life. 

1.  A heartfelt, handwritten thank you note. So simple, right?  Handwritten notes, thoughtfully scribed are such a rare thing these days. Taking the time to sit down and write out your feelings can be very touching and have a huge impact on someone’s life. 

2.  Send flowers. Sending flowers is a way to brighten someone’s day and a fun way to say how much you appreciate them. It doesn’t have to be a huge bouquet, but a simple arrangement can bring a smile to anyone’s face.

3.  Make a donation in their honor. What a perfect time to make a donation of a food allergy book to a library or monetary donation to an appropriate organization (hint: FAACT would be perfect, and I promise they didn’t make me suggest this!). Let them know what you’ve done, and I know they’ll be pleased and feel appreciated. 

4.  Give them something teal. Teal is the color of food allergy awareness, so it would be fun to gift that special someone in that color. A pair of earrings, a coffee mug, fashion scarf, throw blanket, or even a pocket knife. Attach a note explaining the color choice, and you’ve got the perfect gift to show your appreciation.

5.  Take them to lunch or out for coffee. Treating someone to lunch, coffee, or give them a gift card for a treat can really warm the heart. I’m always happy when someone surprises me with a gift card, and I bet you are, too! It’s the perfect gift!

However you choose to show your thanks, realize that when you do, it’s also spreading awareness. Our gift to them may be a conversation starter in their circle of friends, thus passing on food allergy awareness. Make sure you acknowledge the person who is pouring extra energy and compassion into your child’s life. Not only does it set a great example to your child with food allergies, but it strengthens your friendship with the person to whom you’re saying “thank you”. Who will you thank for being an excellent food allergy caregiver?

Rachel Hayden is the creator and author of the blog Mom Vs. Food Allergy, and a homeschooling mom to Nathan and Julia. Nathan has asthma and food allergies to dairy, egg, peanut, carrot, celery, pumpkin, and olive. She lives in Ohio with her husband and children, and is actively involved in their food allergy support group in Dayton, Ohio called FEAT (Families Educating Allergies/Asthma Together). She is also a No Nuts Moms Group Support Group Leader in Dayton.

For more about Rachel, visit her Web site, and follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.