Kindergarten readiness isn't just about making sure your kid doesn't fall behind on day one. Research shows that kids who start kindergarten with stronger social-emotional skills and basic literacy/numeracy foundations tend to do better throughout their school years. But—and this is crucial—this doesn't mean you need to turn your home into a preschool.

The real issue is that screens have changed how kids develop some of these foundational skills. A kid who's spent hundreds of hours swiping through apps has practiced different motor skills than a kid who's been building with blocks or coloring. A kid who's watched educational videos has different attention patterns than one who's listened to audiobooks or had books read to them.

Neither is inherently "bad," but there are trade-offs. And if your kid is starting kindergarten in a few months, it's worth taking stock of where they are and what might need some extra attention.

Let's break down the real skills that matter, and where screens fit (or don't):

The screen time reality: Apps like Endless Alphabet or Khan Academy Kids can genuinely help with letter and number recognition. But they shouldn't be the only way your kid is learning these things. Real-world practice matters—like pointing out letters on signs during walks, counting snacks, or playing with foam letters in the bath.

The screen time reality: This is where too much screen time can actually create gaps. Swiping and tapping don't build the same hand strength and coordination as coloring, cutting, playing with Play-Doh, or building with LEGO. If your kid has been heavy on screens and light on hands-on activities, now's the time to shift that balance.

The screen time reality: Here's the hard truth—screens don't teach these skills. In fact, too much solo screen time can delay them. Kids learn social skills through messy, real-world interactions: playdates that don't go perfectly, board games where someone has to lose, group activities where they have to wait their turn.

Shows like Bluey or Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood can model good social behavior, but watching characters share is not the same as actually practicing sharing. Your kid needs real opportunities to navigate social situations, even when it's uncomfortable.

The screen time reality: Screens are neutral here, but if screen time is eating into the time your kid would otherwise spend practicing these real-world skills, that's a problem. A kid who's used to being handed a tablet to stay occupied might not have had as many opportunities to practice independence as one who's been encouraged to do things themselves.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 1 hour of high-quality programming per day for kids ages 2-5. But let's be real: most families exceed this, especially on weekends or during "survival mode" days.

Here's a more practical framework:

What "good" screen time looks like at this age:

What to watch out for:

If you're going to use screens, be strategic:

Do this:

Don't do this:

First: take a breath. Kindergarten readiness isn't a pass/fail test. Teachers are used to kids entering at different levels, and most schools have systems to support kids who need extra help.

That said, if your kid is starting kindergarten in a few months and you're worried they're not where they need to be, here's what to focus on:

If academic skills are the concern: Spend 10-15 minutes a day on focused practice. This doesn't need to be formal—sing the alphabet song, count toys, practice writing letters in shaving cream. Apps can help, but real-world practice matters more.

If fine motor skills are the concern: Reduce screen time and increase hands-on activities. Coloring, cutting, building, threading beads, playing with clay. These aren't just "fun"—they're literally building the hand strength and coordination needed for writing.

If social-emotional skills are the concern: This is the big one, and it requires real-world practice. Arrange more playdates. Enroll in a summer camp or class. Go to the park and encourage your kid to play with other kids. Practice following directions at home. Read books about starting school and talk about feelings.

And honestly? If your kid has been heavy on screens and light on real-world social interaction, now is the time to rebalance. You have a few months. It's not too late.

Kindergarten readiness is about so much more than academics, and screens are a tool—not a solution. Used thoughtfully, educational apps and shows can support learning. Used as a default babysitter, they can actually create gaps in the skills your kid needs most.

The good news? You don't need to be perfect. You don't need to ban screens entirely or turn your house into a Montessori classroom. You just need to be intentional about balancing screen time with real-world experiences: outdoor play, hands-on activities, messy social interactions, and plenty of opportunities to practice independence.

Your kid doesn't need to be reading or doing math before kindergarten. But they do need to be able to sit still-ish, follow directions, manage their feelings, and play nicely with others. And those skills? They're built in the real world, not on a screen.

And if you want to dive deeper into making screen time work for your family, Screenwise can help you create a personalized plan based on your kid's specific needs and your family's values. Because kindergarten readiness isn't one-size-fits-all—and neither is screen time.