On my son’s first birthday, he received an adorable wooden tool set from Lila’s Toys. I’ll never forget the sheer delight on his face when he spotted it. The toolbox was filled with engaging tools he could actually use, and once he laid eyes on it, all other gifts faded into the background. That summer, as we installed a new deck, my son joyfully accompanied the builder, hammer in hand, and even took his toolbox to bed with him.
I also recall the first time I handed him a tablet. Instantly, my active toddler was happily absorbed, allowing me to enjoy a much-needed shower in peace. It was a moment of pure bliss.
As many parents can relate, the challenge of balancing technology with play is real. While it can be tempting to hand over a device for quick entertainment during errands, I often wonder what we sacrifice in doing so. Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Lila Thompson, co-founder of Lila’s Toys and a mother of six, about how technology and societal pressures are depriving our children of the invaluable benefits of imaginative play. We discussed the current crisis, potential solutions, and her commitment to the mission of reclaiming childhood.
What motivated you and your partner, Jason, to establish your company?
Nurturing play has been at the core of our mission since we started 30 years ago. Both Jason and I were raised by educators, so the desire to contribute to children’s development has always been within us. We aimed to create toys that serve as a springboard for igniting imagination. For us, the magic lies not just in the toy itself, but in what children bring to it—their curiosity and sense of discovery. This is how children learn, connect, and expand their horizons. Play is fundamental to forming their identities, uncovering passions, and honing the social and cognitive skills necessary for success.
What distinguishes your company from others in the toy industry?
We strive to create products that offer children a wide array of play opportunities: toys, crafts, and games that spark imagination and inspire exploration. One of our initial successes was a wooden touch-and-feel puzzle featuring farm animals. It was a straightforward idea—enhancing a classic play pattern to engage children’s senses. This has become a hallmark of our approach—taking traditional play ideas and infusing them with new, appealing elements while maintaining the highest quality and safety standards. Essentially, we view toys as tools for expanding the mind and fostering innovative thinking.
Having six children must be quite the adventure! What has that experience been like?
Family is everything to me! Motherhood has allowed me to rediscover the joy in life’s simplest moments. My children have opened my eyes to the beauty around us—from splashing in puddles to picking ripe berries off the vine. They keep my sense of wonder alive.
However, parenting six has also provided insights into the evolving landscape of childhood. I’ve witnessed firsthand the effects of rising technology and the pressures of performance-oriented culture on children, including my own.
What changes have you observed?
For instance, when I first took my older kids to sports games, younger siblings would create their own games on the sidelines, using their imaginations. Today, it’s disheartening to see those same siblings glued to smartphones or tablets. This shift is alarming!
Research increasingly links anxiety and depression in youth to excessive screen time, academic stress, and an overload of scheduled activities that leave children little room for free play. Moreover, the educational system often prioritizes standardized testing over nurturing curiosity. I could elaborate further.
What solutions do you envision?
We need to radically rethink our approach to childhood, parenting, and success. I leverage my platform at Lila’s Toys to advocate for reclaiming childhood as a time for imagination and exploration. Many parents share a common dream for their children’s happiness and fulfillment. Yet, by denying them the freedom to play and discover on their own terms, we inadvertently hinder their long-term growth and well-being.
I genuinely believe that providing kids with unstructured time is one of the greatest gifts we can offer. It allows them to explore and discover, laying a foundation for true fulfillment. And let’s not forget, adults need play too!
Is working at Lila’s Toys all fun and games?
We are incredibly fortunate to engage in this work! While we put in hard work every day, we also strive to incorporate playfulness into our culture. Recently, I initiated “Playful Life” discussions at the office, focusing on how we can infuse more play into our lives. We even launched the #ThrowbackChildhoodChallenge on social media, inviting followers to share videos of how they played as kids. It’s been a delightful journey of reconnecting with our inner children!
What inspires you? How do you enjoy playing?
Music has always been a passion of mine, but I lost touch with it over the years. Recently, I replaced my usual podcasts with a playlist of favorite songs during my commute. This shift has been transformative—it energizes me and allows my mind to wander and play with creative ideas. It’s a small change that has brought me immense joy!
It can be difficult to pry kids away from their devices. What can parents do?
Having a list of engaging activities ready can help redirect their attention. We’ve compiled a collection of “weekend play ideas”—simple activities that can spark creativity whenever kids are looking for something to do. While we label them for weekends, they’re suitable any time. I advocate for offering kids a bit of inspiration, then stepping back so they can take over. Children must learn to embrace boredom; using their imaginations to overcome it will serve them well throughout life.
Thank you so much, Lila!
For more insights on parenting and play, check out our other blog posts at this blog. If you’re interested in home insemination resources, consider visiting this site, an authority on the topic. For comprehensive information on pregnancy, this resource is excellent.
In summary, Lila Thompson emphasizes the crucial role of play in childhood development and the need to reclaim unstructured, imaginative playtime for kids. Through her work at Lila’s Toys, she advocates for a shift in parenting perspectives to prioritize creativity and exploration, benefiting both children and adults alike.