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What do you think children can actually do better than adults? Tell Staples for a chance to win £200 voucher! NOW CLOSED

347 replies

MichelleMumsnet · 01/09/2014 11:45

With children going back to school this week to learn even more, Staples have asked us to find out what Mumsnetters think children can actually do better than adults.

Here’s what Staples say, “A new study by office and stationery supplies store Staples shows that children’s handwriting skills are in good shape with primary school children often beating their parents for legibility.
“One hundred children aged 8 to 11 and their parents were asked to write a series of sentences which were then rated for legibility and style by teachers.

“Remarkably, the difference between the two mean scores was only 4% while in more than 28% of cases children were judged to have superior handwriting skills to those of their parents.
“Following this study we’re keen to hear from Mumsnetters what other areas they think children excel in comparison to adults? We’re looking forward to hearing your thoughts!”

So, what are the things you think children actually do surprisingly better than adults? What skills do your DCs have which you’re secretly slightly envious over? Perhaps they put your mental arithmetic to shame? Are they actually quite good at multi-tasking and can read a magazine, watch TV and have a conversation at the same time? Have they impressed you with their artistry with a picture they brought back from school? Or maybe you’re amazed by how quickly they can cry with laughter? Whatever it is, we’d love to hear it.

Everyone who leaves their comment on this thread will be entered into a prize draw to win a £200 Staples voucher.

Thanks and good luck,

MNHQ

OP posts:
ButterflyOfFreedom · 08/09/2014 09:41

At the moment with me at 36 weeks pregnant v DS aged 2:

He is much more flexible / bendy / agile than I am so he can, for example, squeeze into spaces I can't and bend down to pick things off the floor!

He can sleep on his front!

He can run faster than I can!

He has much more stamina / energy.

He can climb better than I can.

And in general, children are better than many adults at:
Living in the moment
Laughing
Gadgets / technology
Getting excited about boxes, diggers, trains, wrapping paper, etc.

Cambam2010 · 08/09/2014 10:17

Kids are so much better at wasting time than adults. Time is of no consequence to them and they just carry on in their own little zone - how I would love a life that was not ruled by time!

salsquiggle · 08/09/2014 10:56

Thread needles.
Be objective about situations they are not directly involved in.
Deal with bereavement (if allowed to!!!!)
Voice honest opinions (ouch)
Adapt to change.
Take advantage of social situations.

southernsun · 08/09/2014 11:46

Our son seems to have an eye for photography. We gave him our old digital camera when we got a new one and often when we go out he captures a better photo than we manage. Whether its down to luck, perspective or us over thinking our composition I am not sure.

Melonbelle · 08/09/2014 12:44

Crouching down, I watch in pain when my toddler does it for minutes at a time.

Imagine, my elder daughter has such an unbelievable imagination it's quite lovely to witness.

vixxx666 · 08/09/2014 13:31

Making friends, using their imagination, not being afraid to ask the questions that are on everyone elses minds!

usualnamechanger · 08/09/2014 13:41

Clean chimneys.

mwatmough · 08/09/2014 15:19

making new friends

Ritakd · 08/09/2014 16:41

They're more flexible,
Can make friends easier
Are cuter
And have more fun

hbakfam · 08/09/2014 19:00

Imagining and having fun! Adults seem to forget how to do that!

FlickeringEmber · 08/09/2014 19:10

Children are more in tune with and able to identify emotions in others - they are very good at picking up on signals adults try and hide and they notice things grownups overlook.

Miaow1234 · 08/09/2014 19:57

Technology!

BravePotato · 08/09/2014 20:00

My son is better at seeing opportunities for constructing things from cardboard boxes and sellotape.

I think children have a lot more creative power, and are also better at problem solving.

The always think outside the box!

purplediva · 08/09/2014 20:13

making friends
they adapt much better
sleep

Lorn26 · 08/09/2014 20:32

My children are better than me at lots of things.
Laughing, telling the truth, doing as they're told, falling asleep, drawing to list just a few.

becky0306 · 08/09/2014 20:41

children are a lot better at learning languages, because their brains like clean canvas and absorb all the new information like a sponge..x

ThatBloodyWoman · 08/09/2014 20:49

I think children can tell injustice so much better than adults.
There's no wider picture confusion, to dilute the simple facts.

BlackeyedSusan · 08/09/2014 21:23

computer games in the case of ds.

falling asleep anywhere and rapidly when tired. dd will go to bed when she is tired and not faff about doing something else like me.

catching spiders... ds does not scream like a stuck pig is not scared.

playing on the climbing frame and park.

pfcpompeysarah · 08/09/2014 22:07

My son takes to technology like a duck to water and he is only 7.. whereas it takes me ages to figure out how to use a new phone, he is able to use it no problem from the word go!!

JoJoBaldwin · 09/09/2014 06:57

They notice so much more around them, everything seems to be a source of wonder or hilarity.

Children also socialise so much better too. I can plonk DD down in the park and she will soon make a new friend. So sweet!

del2929 · 09/09/2014 10:23

my dc is a whizz at maths... so much so that i can not help her with her homework... dad does maths with her... (cue embarassed face)

jan08 · 09/09/2014 10:53

wake up happy - my kids bound in jumping up and down and they can maintain the high for hours. As adults we are weighed down by our to do lists and burden of every day life. If I could wake up and stay as happy as my kids all the time that would be incredible!

izzy76 · 09/09/2014 17:55

My lot are a lot better at technology than me i have to get one of them to turn the tv on as i still cant work it out and even on the pc the younger ones are amazing wish i was that smart :)

sofieellis · 09/09/2014 18:39

Children are better at playing. Sadly, as adults we tend to forget how to do this and our imaginations seem to disappear.

RocksRCool · 10/09/2014 01:57

My children think they can do everything better than me Confused

I love the way they really laugh. Great big belly laughs. They are older teens and young adults now but they still really laugh.