In celebration of my son’s first birthday, he was given a delightful toy toolbox from Thompson Toys. The memory of his face lighting up upon seeing it is unforgettable. Packed with playful, yet realistic, tools, he was so captivated that he completely ignored his other gifts, choosing instead to immerse himself in his new treasure. That summer, while we had a deck built at our home, my son spent countless hours beside the builder, hammer and saw in hand. He even carried that toolbox everywhere, often taking it to bed with him.
Conversely, I also recall the moment I introduced him to a tablet. Instantly, my energetic toddler was absorbed and entertained, allowing me to enjoy a much-needed shower in peace. It was a lifesaver.
As many parents can attest, navigating this era of parenting has its challenges. While it’s often easier to hand over a device to keep kids occupied—especially during errands or appointments—one has to question the consequences of this convenience. Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Sarah Thompson, co-founder of Thompson Toys and a mother of six, about how modern technology and societal expectations are depriving our children of the essential benefits of imaginative play. We discussed the pressing issues at hand, potential remedies, and her dedication to the mission of reclaiming childhood.
What motivated you and your husband, Jake, to launch your company?
From the very beginning, nurturing imaginative play has been at the heart of our company for nearly 30 years. Both Jake and I were raised by educators, which instilled a deep-seated desire to contribute positively to children’s lives. We aimed to create toys that act as catalysts for imagination. The real magic lies not just in the toys themselves, but in the creativity and wonder children bring to them. This is how kids learn, connect, and expand their views of the world. Play is vital for shaping identities, discovering passions, and developing social and cognitive skills that lead to success and fulfillment in life.
How do you differentiate your products from those of other toy companies?
We focus on creating products that offer diverse play experiences: toys, crafts, and games that inspire imagination and embark children on journeys of discovery. Our first hit was a wooden touch-and-feel farm puzzle—an innovative twist on a classic concept designed to engage children’s senses. This approach—reimagining traditional play patterns and enhancing them—has become a cornerstone of our philosophy, all while maintaining the highest quality and safety standards. Ultimately, we believe toys are merely instruments for expanding minds and fostering innovative thinking.
What has your experience been like as a mother of six?
Family means everything to me! Motherhood has helped me rediscover the beauty in life’s simple moments, from splashing in puddles to enjoying ripe raspberries right off the vine. My children inspire me to cherish the everyday wonders, like blowing dandelions or stargazing. However, raising six kids has also given me unique insights into the evolving nature of childhood. I had two children in my twenties, two in my thirties, and two in my forties, allowing me to witness firsthand the impact of rising technology and the pressures of a performance-driven culture on children, including my own.
What changes have you observed?
For instance, I recall taking my older children to sports events where younger siblings would be inventing their own games on the sidelines. Nowadays, it’s common to see those same younger siblings glued to smartphones or tablets, which is concerning. We’re witnessing growing research linking increased anxiety and depression in youth to excessive screen time, academic stress, and an over-scheduled lifestyle that limits their freedom to explore and engage in self-directed play. The educational system, too, seems to be focused more on standardized testing rather than fostering curiosity.
What solutions do you propose?
We need to fundamentally change our perceptions of childhood, parenting, and success. I’ve been leveraging my platform at Thompson Toys to advocate for a return to childhood as a time of imagination and wonder. Many parents share the dream of raising happy, fulfilled children, yet by denying them the freedom and downtime necessary for real play and exploration, we may inadvertently hinder their development of essential social skills, resilience, and creativity. Giving children unstructured time is one of the greatest gifts we can offer; it encourages exploration and discovery, guiding them toward true fulfillment. And, let’s not forget, adults also desperately need play!
Is working at Thompson Toys all fun?
We consider ourselves fortunate to be in this position! While we work diligently every day, we also strive to incorporate a sense of playfulness into our work culture. Recently, I initiated “Play-Full Life” chats in small groups at the office to discuss ways to integrate more play into our lives. We even launched the #ThrowbackChildhoodChallenge, encouraging our social media followers to share nostalgic videos of their childhood play. The response has been heartwarming and fun—celebrities are joining in, too!
What inspires you personally, and how do you play?
Music has always been a passion for me, but I lost touch with it over the years. Recently, I made a conscious decision to swap out the educational podcasts I used to listen to during my commutes for a playlist of my favorite songs. This change has been transformative! It injects energy into my day and provides the mental space to let my creativity flourish.
What advice do you have for parents struggling to pull their kids away from screens?
Having a set of engaging activities at the ready can be helpful. We’ve compiled a list of “weekend play ideas”—simple, enjoyable activities to inspire kids when they’re looking for something to do. While we call them weekend ideas, they’re perfect for any time. I advocate for providing a little inspiration to kick things off, then stepping back to let kids take the lead. Learning to embrace moments of boredom can spark imagination and creativity that will benefit them throughout life.
Thank you for your insights, Sarah!
In summary, the conversation with Sarah Thompson sheds light on the critical need to reclaim childhood for our children. By prioritizing imaginative play over technology and structured schedules, we can foster their social skills, resilience, and creativity. It’s essential for both kids and adults to embrace playfulness in their lives.