President Barack Obama proclaimed November would be National Family Caregivers’ Month. This tradition started in 2004 and has been carried on by every President since. This month brings awareness for the vital role that caregivers provide in the family.

November is an entire month to acknowledge and honor your friends and family who are the primary caregivers to children, seniors or the disabled. You know what a great job they do and the sacrifices they make to provide selfless care to others, but how can you possibly say thank you? Well, here are a few easy ideas.

• A really easy way… just say it!!! Tell them “You’re doing a great job, Thank You.” Simple, cheap and incredibly effective.
• Take them to lunch… without their charges. Caregivers need to take time for themselves away from their responsibilities, and a lunch is generally easy to schedule.
• Can’t get them away for an hour? Provide an easy to heat dinner for the family. 
• Arrange for an evening off. This one is a little harder to coordinate, but definitely provides the best bang for the buck. Doesn’t matter if the caregiver spends the time alone recharging or reconnecting with loved ones, every caregiver needs time away.

As a mother of three young children, I can vouch for the effectiveness of these tips. It’s great to feel appreciated for the work, love, and sacrifice you provide to others. The best tip I can provide to caregivers… You can’t be an effective caregiver unless you care for yourself first; mentally, physically and spiritually.

So what did I do to acknowledge National Family Caregiver Month???? I hired a babysitter took a nice long hike, a little shoe shopping, and a quiet lunch. By the end of my few hours, I was missing the chaos and the grubby smiles of my children.