To the Teacher Who Will Be Working With My Son With Food Allergies

Hello, it is so nice to meet you. My child had a nice summer, I hope you did, too. He is a little nervous about starting the new school year, but also excited for it to begin. He is smart, kind and has so much to learn about the world. He loves his older sister, video games and his pet hamster, Zaychu.

I am glad you will be teaching him so many new things. I am glad you will be there for him. I want to thank you beforehand for all you will do for him. I appreciate all the sacrifices you sometimes have to make for children with food allergies like my son. I appreciate your patience, kindness and compassion.

I understand it may be frustrating at times to have to change some things in order to protect my child. It may take more time for all the hand washing, lesson planning and extra steps needed to make sure my child is not excluded. You may have to watch him a little more closely to make sure he isn’t having any reactions. I appreciate everything you will do to make sure he comes home to me safely each and every day.

I know you are highly educated and trained to deal with many different situations and emergencies. I am grateful you will be there if my child ever needs you. I am grateful you will help to make him feel secure.

He has never been to school for a full day. It will be difficult for him to be there all day, away from the person who makes him feel the safest — away from his food allergy mom. Away from the person who will do anything to protect him. The person who spends many hours in the day doing research, reading labels and cooking things from scratch to ensure his safety. To ensure he remains active, happy and included in a world full of his allergens. Allergens that can kill him.

 

Deep down he knows this. Deep down he is frustrated, angry and scared at this knowledge. He wishes he didn’t have food allergies, but accepts that he does. He is trying hard to learn ways to be safe. He is being proactive in many ways, but often forgets things I tell him. He is only 6 years old and has a long way to go and a lot to learn. But he is doing a great job, and I am so proud of him.

I hope we will have a good relationship. I hope you don’t see me as another food allergy mom, but as a loving mother who fears for her child’s safety when he is away. It is really hard to live with the fact that a tiny amount of food can kill your child. Your child who eats many times a day. Your child who takes a piece of your heart with him wherever he goes.

Including when he goes to school.

So many innocent mistakes can happen there, I just want to try to make sure they don’t.

I will do all I can to help you, to answer any questions, and to make your job easier.

Just let me know what you need, any time day or night. Whether it’s more supplies, safe food for a celebration, or art supply research, I’ll be there.

A teacher lives.

A teacher loves.

With a heart as big as the sun.

A teacher gives.

A teacher breathes.

Dreams and hope into their little ones.

Thank you so much for being there for my child. Thank you for all you will do for him, and for being a teacher. Teachers are not thanked enough for all they do. They breathe hope into our little ones, and make the world a better place.

I love my son with all of my heart, and I’m sure he will work his magic and become a part of yours.

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