Depending on reliability and stability of the local internet and power, you want to have your stuff available. Ranging from documents and photos up to your libary of everything else. Everything has pros and cons and what things you're fine with.
Most of the time, all news are doing the part of "why it's bad to rely on big corp"...
Explain why you care about it, usually if the people trust you, they will share your opinion
Never touched HK but a buddy of mine uses it only. AFAIK HK compatibility is expensive compared to cheap HA integrations. Even hardware not specifically for HA can be integrated like Tuya products with "local Tuya" so the availability is huge compared to HK. Getting into HA takes a bit time but it's worth it.
There is an HA app on android and iOS where you can create widgets for all kind off stuff ranging from switches over sensors to scenes and automations. Or you can create multiple dashboards for each kid with their own layout.
It's at least worth a try.