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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:
ouryve · 01/09/2014 15:53

Well, DS2 has just pushed the giant corner sofa out from the wall, crawled around it and climbed over the back at the far end.

I can't do that.

And last week, I hurt myself trying to dust around the top of the kids' bunk beds, so sent DS1 up there with the Dyson Handheld for a 10p reward :o

LEE88 · 01/09/2014 16:03

My son's handwriting is so much better than mine and his knowledge of geography puts mine to shame!

jelliebelly · 01/09/2014 16:26

better at understanding gadgets and how they work
better at deciphering complex games rules without the need for manuals and guidebooks - thinking of games such as minecraft here!
hugely better imagination and ability to involve others in those imaginative games

Showy · 01/09/2014 16:29

Adapt to change
Persevere
Forgive
Learn
Sing and dance in public
Be honest

marymouse · 01/09/2014 16:36

using technology
seeing the good in everything
have more stamina

BellaVida · 01/09/2014 16:45

They adapt better to change.
They have much better energy levels!
They are more attuned to technology from a young age.
They are more honest- not always at the right moment ;-)
They are better 'team players', even with children they just meet.
They find it easier to entertain themselves, or find something amusing.
They are better at being less self conscious.
They are freer from constraints and influences, so their imaginations are more alive.
They dare to dream bigger.

Oh, to be a child again!

Jealousbody · 01/09/2014 17:08

Reading electricity and gas meters...

They know it's nuts to go and get a pen and bit of paper and move the recycling boxes out the way... They instinctively get their phones out, angle them towards the meter and take a photo ...then bring the phone/photo to show you.

Catching up with missed lessons...

They photo pages of the other kids' jotters with their phones rather than borrowing jotters and risk losing them

Describing how sore their throat is...

They photo their throat and then send the photo to you.
If you ask whether it is better or worse the next day they send you a further photo so you can make a judgement

Emrob86 · 01/09/2014 17:45

Being creative and imaginative!

AndHarry · 01/09/2014 18:05

If my 4yo is anything to go by, they're better at thinking of logical solutions to a problem. Stuck in a traffic jam? Take a helicopter next time!

ataraxia · 01/09/2014 18:15

Technology - they've grown up with it integrated into their lives rather than something to be 'learned'

ShatnersBassoon · 01/09/2014 18:19

Running for fun. I can't keep up with my children. Embarrassment hinders my progress.

ShyPhilosopher · 01/09/2014 18:48

Most children seem to have a far, far stronger sense of justice, equality and fairness than many adults. Admittedly, to kids it tends to often be black & white, rather than seeing the grey areas. Just look at how completely accepting of people from most backgrounds kids are, or how worked up they get over somebody doing something wrong/naughty.

Maiyakat · 01/09/2014 19:15

Smiling sweetly to get grownups to do whatever they want...

CatKisser · 01/09/2014 19:35

Turn a giant cardboard box, some sellotape and paint into four hours of creative amusement!

Velocirapture · 01/09/2014 20:17

Making the best of a situation
Cuddling
Making friends with anyone who seems about the right height
Expressing themselves.

Redtartanshoes · 01/09/2014 20:20

Ds is far better at minecraft (or any other video game really), playing football, and remembering the most random of things. He's only 7 but the stuff he seems to absorb into his mind amazes me

MerryMarigold · 01/09/2014 20:29

They are more able to ask for help

They are much better at showing emotion

They are usually much more affectionate

Agree with the posture one above!

addictedtosugar · 01/09/2014 20:29

Kids have fab imagination, a brain wired to learn rather than dimiss something as too hard.
A friends 6 yr old can also run faster than me.

missorinoco · 01/09/2014 20:49

Learning technology. My seven year old can pick up things faster than I do. Love unconditionally. It is a shame that changes.

Moid1 · 01/09/2014 21:03

Put his feet behind his head

Roseformeplease · 01/09/2014 21:23

Learn. The pace at which my children acquire new skills, vocabulary, music, jokes etc makes my head spin. They also seem to remember everything except where they left their school shoes / bag / lunch pass.

sharond101 · 01/09/2014 21:37

CHildren are much better at relaxing, enjoying the moment, learning from mistakes, having fun, making a mess and making friends.

IsabellaRockerfeller · 01/09/2014 21:44

The DSes and their friends are better than me at:

Anything to do with technology - it is just intuitive for them!
Learning e.g DS learnt to tell the time in a week (and I think that's a really hard thing for a kid to learn).
Living for the moment - they forgives and forgets very quickly whereas adults tend to hold a grudge.
Making friends. Put them in a room with other boys and they'll just get on and play. No inhibitions, arguing etc.
General bendiness - I've been doing yoga for years but am nowhere near as flexible as my boys!

lottietiger · 01/09/2014 22:04

Being honest. Children say what they think and although it can be pretty cringe worthy it's honest. As grown ups we spend too much time sitting on the fence or trying to spare peoples feelings.

notnowbernard · 01/09/2014 22:09

Children seem much better generally at spontaneity - no dithering in their decision making

Small children particularly are AMAZING at snapping out of a bad mood. 4 yr old DS will be whingeing/shouting/wailing about something one minute and can be Cheerful Charlie 5 minutes later. I would LOVE this talent Grin