Let's face it - hospitals are boring. Being tied to machines, IVs and having to lay in bed all day is a terrible experience. While adults can find a way to entertain themselves with books or the TV, it's a little bit harder for young children to stay in one place all day. While being sick is tough enough as it is, the dull environment of hospital rooms makes it even worse. Can you imagine being a kid struggling to understand what's going on, being away from home, unable to play with your favorite toys, and forbidden to leave your bed?
More info: playtimeedventures.com | Instagram
A father from Charlotte, North Carolina, named Kevin Gatlin knows these struggles way too well so he decided to help out. After visiting a friend's child in the hospital, Gatlin realized how hard it is to be stuck in bed all day so he came up with a brilliant idea - board game bed sheets.
The idea to turn board games into bed sheets was inspired by his own family. "Because of space, my wife would use our son’s bed as a desk but it wasn’t until I visited a friend whose son was sick in the Hospital did I realize that there was very little stimulation for kids confined to their Hospital beds and rooms!" Gatlin told Bored Panda.
After thoughtful consideration, planning, and consulting with teachers and family doctors, Gatlin's realization turned into a company called Playtime Edventures. "With the help of passionate teachers and parents, we created Playtime Therapy Bed Sheets. Playtime Therapy Bed Sheets extend the play area of the room and provide kids with a place they can play, learn, sleep and heal on! We quickly realized our Playtime Therapy Bed Sheets and Slumber Bags was exactly what the Doctor ordered for kids everywhere! With over 50 interactive games they provide the perfect daytime/night-time alternative to excessive TV watching, electronic devices and boredom. And the perfect structure to encourage kids to go to bed!"
It took him over 2 years to design the sheets. Today, kids in need can choose from 50 interactive games printed on sheets of their bed linens. ""It truly took a team to create the bed sheets. I tell people I was just the creative one with the idea! My wife, my mom, and 5 teachers help me create the interactive bed sheets for kids," the creator added.
While anyone can buy the Playtime Bed Sheets for their own children, the most important part of the project is the opportunity to donate for those who need them the most.
"As a company, our commitment is and always will be to children and communities. We currently partner with the Children’s Hospitals, Women Children shelters, and Internation relief organizations across the world! We believe that our bedding products create a calming distraction for children forced into safe places because of circumstances out of their control," the company wrote on their website.
According to the Playtime Edventures website, people have helped to deliver around 3000 sheets for those in need. The company also gives an opportunity to choose a specific organization or an individual you'd like to help out.
The project has received a positive response from doctors, parents, and children. If you love this idea too, check out the company's website to see how you can offer support.
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