Parents prioritise confidence and creativity in early education as AI reshapes future skills

A new study reveals a shift in parental priorities towards social, emotional, and creative skills in early childhood education, meeting the demands of an AI-driven future and redefining school readiness.

As the new school year begins, many working parents are thinking beyond letters and numbers when it comes to early education. Bright Horizons says its 2025 Modern Family Index study on school readiness found that 82% of parents believe a child entering kindergarten with confidence is just as important as knowing the alphabet.

That emphasis on confidence and social development reflects the view of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, which says readiness is not only about academic skills. The organisation argues that curiosity, emotional competence and the ability to approach learning are all part of being prepared for school.

The survey also suggests parents are increasingly thinking about the rise of artificial intelligence and what it means for children’s futures. Bright Horizons said 73% of parents believe AI has made durable skills such as creativity, social skills and emotional skills just as important as reading, writing and maths, while 79% said creative skills will be crucial for children growing up in an AI-shaped world.

That view aligns with the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs Report, which points to growing demand for creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, leadership, social influence and self-awareness. The report also highlights curiosity, lifelong learning and adaptability as increasingly valuable traits, reinforcing the idea that what children learn in preschool may matter well beyond the classroom. For parents and caregivers, the message is clear: early education is no longer being judged only by academic milestones, but by how well it helps children build the human skills that remain hard for machines to replace.