We’re excited to introduce a new initiative at Make It Cute, one that is close to our hearts and aligns with one of our core values of giving back. Recently, we had the opportunity to give one of our indoor playhouses to a 2 year-old child, Katalea, who is fighting childhood cancer. Katalea is a malignant yolk sac tumor warrior and has been fighting since April 2022. When we saw how much joy this brought her, we were inspired to expand on this idea and offer our community a chance to give back to childhood cancer warriors, like Katalea.
In coordination with the American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO), each sponsorship of $250 will provide children undergoing cancer treatments with a Make It Cute playhouse and a medical playkit. The indoor playhouse will not only provide fun but will also offer a safe and calming place for children to relax and play. The medical playkit, provided by ACCO will help children learn through play about their treatment.
Support Children With Cancer
Benefits of Playhouses For Children:
Playhouses are not just mere toys, but tools that foster cognitive development, enhance social skills and emotional intelligence, and cultivate a sense of independence and responsibility amongst children.
- Playhouses promote cognitive development in children, helping them learn and grow.
- Children’s playhouses encourage a sense of independence and responsibility, instilling essential life skills in kids from a young age.
- They also nurture social skills and emotional intelligence, equipping kids with the ability to interact effectively with others.
We know that social emotional learning is key for any child, as explained by this article by Psychology Today, but is particularly crucial for children who are dealing with major life stressors. When children are provided with opportunities to play, they can increase their mental health outcomes. According to UNICEF, play provides a structure for children as well as an outlet “to work through feelings such as pain, fear or loss while being able to still act like a child.” Children undergoing difficult life circumstances, such as undergoing cancer treatments, are particularly susceptible to stress that can negatively affect their lives.
Make It Cute playhouses can enhance social emotional learning for children, including by providing opportunities for children to practice:
Communication: Indoor Playhouses provide a space for children to engage in conversation, express their thoughts, and learn to listen actively, enhancing their communication skills. By interacting and engaging in role-play scenarios, children strengthen their verbal and non-verbal communication abilities.
Empathy: As children engage in role-play and imaginative games, they step into different perspectives and explore various emotions. This nurtures empathy and the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
Emotional Regulation: Playhouses are excellent settings for children to explore and express their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. This helps them develop emotional self-awareness and regulation.
It is well known that cancer treatments affect patients in many different areas of their life, including the physical ramifications of undergoing treatment. As stated by The American Cancer Society, children undergoing cancer treatments may feel extra fatigued or sick to their stomach throughout their treatments. Make It Cute playhouses can provide the calming and restful space they need during these difficult times, providing them a comfortable and cozy spot to rest in order to continue fighting.
A Mother’s View:
Make It Cute is founded by childhood best friends and Moms with a combined 6 children between them. As mothers, we empathize with families who are struggling with a cancer diagnosis in their family. Hearing the devastating news that your child has cancer is an unimaginable horror that so many have to face each day. According to the ACCO, “every day 42 families learn that their child has cancer.” If we at Make It Cute can ease that burden just a tiny bit, by bringing a little bit of joy to a child’s day, we are committed to doing so.
We’re fortunate here at Make It Cute to have a platform to spread good cheer to those in times of need and we are grateful for your consideration and support of this sponsorship initiative. If you are not in a position to donate currently, we understand, and would appreciate you sharing the news about our program with your friends, family members, or companies who may be able to spread some joy to a child undergoing cancer treatment. If you are a corporation or individual who would like to sponsor a playhouse donation please visit www.makeitcutekids.com/pages/sponsorships or donate directly here. If you have questions or would like to discuss further, please email hello@makeitcutekids.com.