For my son’s first birthday, he received a delightful toy tool kit from Thompson Toys. I’ll never forget the joy on his face when he first laid eyes on it. Filled with soft, child-friendly tools, it instantly captivated him, making him forget all his other gifts as he immersed himself in play. That summer, while we were having a deck built, my son spent countless hours alongside the builder, hammer in hand. He even insisted on taking his toy kit to bed every night and carried it everywhere.
Conversely, I still remember the first time I handed him a tablet. Instantly, my rambunctious toddler was absorbed in the screen, allowing me a rare moment of peace to enjoy a shower. It felt like a blessing.
As the kids say, the struggle is real. While it can be more convenient to hand over a device to keep my child entertained during errands, I often wonder about the long-term implications. Recently, I had an enlightening conversation with Clara Thompson, co-founder of Thompson Toys and a mother of six, about how technology and societal pressures are diminishing the benefits of genuine, child-led playtime. We discussed the current crisis in childhood play and her commitment to the mission of reclaiming childhood.
What motivated you and your husband, David, to launch your company?
Fostering imaginative play has been central to our mission since we established the company three decades ago. Both David and I grew up with parents who were educators, so the inclination to contribute positively to children’s lives has always been part of who we are. We aimed to create toys that serve as launch pads for imagination. The true magic lies not just in the toy itself, but in how children interact with it — their sense of wonder and exploration. Through play, children develop essential social and cognitive skills, forming their identities and discovering passions.
How does your company differentiate itself from other toy manufacturers?
We focus on creating products that offer diverse ways to play. Our toys, crafts, and games are designed to stimulate imagination and encourage discovery. One of our initial successes was a wooden puzzle that engaged children’s senses in a novel way. Our approach has always involved enhancing traditional play patterns while maintaining the highest safety and quality standards. In essence, we believe toys are tools for expanding creativity and innovative thinking.
What has your experience been like raising six children?
Family is my everything! Motherhood has helped me rediscover wonder in everyday moments — from splashing in puddles to picking fresh raspberries and making wishes on dandelions. My children continuously remind me of the beauty around us, keeping that sense of curiosity alive within me.
However, parenting six kids has also given me insight into how childhood is evolving. I had my first two children in my 20s, the next two in my 30s, and the last two in my 40s. I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of technology and a performance-driven culture on children, including my own.
What changes have you observed?
For instance, I recall taking my older children to sporting events where younger siblings would create their own games, using their imaginations. Nowadays, it’s common to see little ones glued to smartphones or tablets. This shift is concerning! Research is increasingly linking screen time and performance stress to rising anxiety and depression among young people. Moreover, many schools focus on standardized testing rather than nurturing curiosity in students.
What solutions do you propose?
We need to completely rethink our perspectives on childhood, parenting, and success. I’ve been using my platform at Thompson Toys to advocate for reclaiming childhood as a time for imagination and exploration. Many parents share the dream that their children will grow up happy and fulfilled, yet by denying them unstructured free time for play, we may inadvertently hinder their development of social skills, resilience, and creativity.
I truly believe that providing kids with unstructured time for exploration is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer. It fosters their path toward fulfillment. Notably, it’s not just children who benefit from play — adults need it too!
Is working at Thompson Toys all about fun?
We are fortunate to be engaged in work we love! We put significant effort into our daily tasks but also aim to maintain a playful spirit. Recently, I initiated “Play-Full Life” discussions at the office to explore ways we can incorporate more play into our lives. We’ve also launched the #ThrowbackChildhoodChallenge on social media, inviting followers to share videos of their childhood play experiences. It’s been heartwarming to see people reconnecting with their inner child!
What inspires you personally? How do you enjoy playing?
Music has always been a passion of mine, but I lost touch with it over the years. Recently, I opted to replace the podcasts I usually listen to while commuting with a playlist of my favorite songs. This shift was life-changing! It energized me and allowed my mind to wander creatively. A simple change has brought immense joy back into my life.
Many parents find it challenging to pull their kids away from devices. What strategies can help?
Having a few go-to ideas can make a difference. We compiled a list of “weekend play ideas” — simple activities to engage children when they are bored. Although we label them as weekend ideas, they’re perfect for any time. I encourage parents to provide initial inspiration and then step back to allow kids to take the lead. Learning to navigate boredom through imagination and creativity is an invaluable skill for life.
Thank you, Clara!
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Summary:
In an engaging conversation with Clara Thompson, co-founder of Thompson Toys, she elaborates on the significance of imaginative play in childhood and the challenges posed by modern technology. With insights drawn from her personal experiences as a mother of six, she highlights the need for parents to allow unstructured playtime, which fosters creativity and social skills. Clara advocates for a shift in how we view childhood and parenting, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming play as a vital component of development.