(BPT) - In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, it's more important than ever for children to build durable skills - creativity, social skills and emotional skills, for example - starting from an early age. In fact, new research from the Modern Family Index (MFI), commissioned by Bright Horizons and conducted by The Harris Poll, revealed that 73% of parents feel the rise of AI has made durable skills just as important as traditional academic skills like reading, writing and math.

Similarly, experts are recognizing this trend and increasingly advocating for play-based preschool experiences that focus on supporting the whole child and emphasize social and emotional development alongside academics. This means that the skills children need to be successful in kindergarten look a bit different than they have in the past.

What does school readiness look like today?

"School readiness" isn't about memorizing facts from worksheets or apps. Among other skills, being prepared for success in school means children…

• Adapt, learn from mistakes and keep trying after a setback
• Are curious and creative problem-solvers
• Recognize many letters, shapes and numbers
• Engage and have fun with peers and friends
• Use tools like scissors appropriately
• With support, understand and manage emotions and behaviors
• Understand and follow simple directions
• Have a healthy self-concept and are developing confidence

The MFI also found that 71% of parents worry about properly preparing their children for kindergarten, while 80% wish they had resources and support to better understand how to support their children's development.

"Parents today are navigating a rapidly changing world and want to do everything they can to set their children up for success," said Rachel Robertson, Chief Academic Officer at Bright Horizons. "This research makes it clear that parents are looking to preschools not just for academics, but for support in building a variety of both social and emotional skills. High-quality early education that fosters curiosity, builds confidence and nurtures the whole child is what truly lays the foundation for kindergarten and beyond."

What can parents do at home to foster these skills?

Robertson recommends the following tips for parents to help foster durable skills at home.

• Provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy books - go to the library, read and invent stories together.
• Allow time, space and encouragement for creative and imaginative play.
• Ask 'thinking' questions: What do you think? How do you think that works? What are you planning?
• Apply skills authentically: Look for shapes on a walk, practice counting when setting the table, find letters in the grocery store, label household items and problem-solve real issues like taking turns, sharing or cleaning up.
• Encourage healthy risk-taking, even if that means making mistakes and trying again.
• Play simple games that require concentrating, adapting in the moment and using working memory (e.g., Chutes and Ladders™, card and matching games, Simon Says).
• Model and practice managing emotions, self-calming, taking others' perspectives and empathy.
• Allow their inquiries and interests to guide their learning. If they want to talk dinosaurs, help them research what they eat, find items that are the same length as their feet, explore their habitat and build a mini-replica, and provide materials that inspire dinosaur imaginary play.
• Offer rich, diverse, meaningful and authentic opportunities to explore and discover the world, while recognizing that each child develops at their own pace.

Learn more

Visit www.brighthorizons.com for more information and resources to support healthy early childhood development.