When my daughter turned one, she received the most adorable Playful Minds tool set. I’ll never forget her expression when she discovered it. The box was filled with interactive tools she could explore, and once she saw it, she ignored all her other gifts, completely captivated. That summer, we had a carpenter working on our house, and my daughter spent countless hours by his side, happily imitating him with her toy hammer and saw. She even insisted on taking her tool set to bed and everywhere we went.
I also recall the first time I gave her a tablet. Instantly, my busy toddler was entertained, allowing me a much-needed moment to shower in peace. It was blissful.
As many parents can relate, the struggle is all too real. While it’s sometimes easier to hand over a device during errands or appointments, I often wonder, at what cost? Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Laura Henderson, co-founder of Playful Minds and mother of six, about how our children are missing out on the benefits of genuine, child-led playtime due to the overwhelming influence of technology and societal pressures. We discussed the current crisis, potential solutions, and her dedication to the mission of Reclaiming Childhood.
What motivated you and your partner Mark to create your company?
Fostering play has been at the core of our mission since Playful Minds was established 30 years ago. Both Mark and I came from families of educators, so our passion for children’s development has always been part of us. We aimed to create toys that serve as a springboard for igniting imagination. The magic lies not just in the toys, but in the child’s own sense of wonder and exploration. Play is essential for children to shape their identities, discover their interests, and build critical social and cognitive skills that will aid them in achieving fulfillment.
How do you differentiate your brand from other toy manufacturers?
We strive to create products that offer kids a multitude of ways to engage: toys, crafts, and games that spark creativity and lead children on adventures of discovery. Our initial breakthrough was a wooden sensory farm puzzle. It was a simple concept—enhancing a classic play pattern to engage children’s senses. This approach has become central to our philosophy: reimagining traditional play methods to create something fresh and exciting, all while adhering to the highest safety and quality standards. Ultimately, toys are simply tools for expanding the mind and fostering innovative thinking.
What has it been like raising six children?
Family means everything to me! Motherhood has allowed me to rediscover the joy in life’s simple moments. My kids have shown me the beauty of everyday experiences—from splashing in puddles to picking ripe raspberries straight from the vine, and making wishes on dandelions. They’ve kept alive that curious child within me.
However, raising six children has also opened my eyes to the evolving landscape of childhood. I had two kids in my 20s, two more in my 30s, and finally, two in my 40s. This journey has provided me with unique insights into how technology and performance pressures affect children, including my own.
What changes have you noticed?
For instance, I remember taking my older kids to their sports events, and the younger siblings would be off creating their own games, using their imaginations. Nowadays, it’s common to see those same younger siblings glued to smartphones or tablets. This trend is troubling!
Research is beginning to highlight the rise in anxiety and depression among young people, linking it to excessive screen time, academic pressure, and overly structured schedules that deprive children of freedom and creativity. Education systems are also caught up in standardized testing rather than fostering curiosity in kids. I could go on and on.
What steps can we take to address these issues?
It’s crucial that we rethink our approach to childhood, parenting, and success itself. I’ve been using my platform at Playful Minds to advocate for reclaiming childhood as a time for imagination and exploration. Many parents share the hope that their children will grow up happy and fulfilled. Yet, by denying them unstructured time for play and exploration, we risk hindering their social skills, resilience, and creativity in the long run.
Allowing kids free time for exploration is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. It’s essential for their journey toward fulfillment. And let’s not forget—adults need playtime too!
Is working at Playful Minds all fun and games?
We’re fortunate to do what we love! While we put in hard work every day, we also aim to bring a sense of playfulness to our activities. Recently, I initiated “Playful Life” gatherings at our office to discuss how we can incorporate more play into our lives because adults also need to recharge and reconnect with what inspires us. We even launched the #ThrowbackChildChallenge, encouraging our followers to share videos of how they played as kids. It’s been a blast seeing everyone embrace their inner child!
What inspires you? How do you find time to play?
Music has always been a passion of mine, but like many, I lost touch with it over time. Recently, I swapped out my usual podcasts for a playlist of favorite songs during my commute. I realized the podcasts, while informative, felt heavy. This simple change has been transformative, giving me energy and the mental space to let my creativity flow.
Sometimes it feels nearly impossible to pull kids away from screens. What can parents do?
Having a few alternative activities on hand can help redirect them. We’ve put together a list of “weekend play ideas”—easy activities to have ready for when kids need inspiration. Although we call them weekend ideas, they can be used any day. I believe in providing kids with a little nudge to get started but then stepping back to let them take the lead. Learning to cope with boredom and using their imagination will serve them well throughout life.
Thanks so much, Laura!
This article initially appeared on March 10, 2018.
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In summary, Laura Henderson of Playful Minds discusses the crucial role of unstructured play in childhood, emphasizing the need for parents to rethink the pressures placed on children today. By fostering creativity and imagination, we can help children develop essential skills for fulfillment.
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