Khan Academy is the broccoli of screen time—undeniably good for you, but let's not pretend kids are begging for it. The nonprofit model is a breath of fresh air in a world of predatory edu-tech, and the safety and privacy practices are genuinely top-tier. Khan Academy Kids is a solid, gentle introduction to digital learning for preschoolers and early elementary kids.

But here's the thing: parent reviews of the main platform are all over the map. Some families love it as a supplement; others report it's a source of tears and confusion. The interface can be clunky, and the experience lacks the polish and engagement of commercial apps (which, to be fair, is partly because it's not trying to hook your kid with dopamine hits).

Use it intentionally. It's a tool, not a toy. If your kid thrives on structured, self-paced learning, great. If they need more hand-holding or get frustrated easily, you'll want to sit with them. And if you're hoping for something that's both educational AND entertaining, you might need to look elsewhere—or accept that learning isn't always a party.