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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:
CheeryCherry · 01/09/2014 22:19

They are often better at recognising the natural world around them, taking time to stop and examine....as adults we are usually too busy rushing about to even notice.

thewomaninwhite · 01/09/2014 22:21

Answer a question truthfully (no promises of diplomacy).

AllSorted · 02/09/2014 06:28

Get over arguments and move on

AllSorted · 02/09/2014 06:28

Get over arguments and move on

AllSorted · 02/09/2014 06:39

Move on after an argument

AllSorted · 02/09/2014 06:40

Ah, sorry - I thought posting from my phone hadn'd worked - just seen that it did twice :) I bet a child would use the technology better than me too

TheLastThneed · 02/09/2014 07:56

Children have no prejudice and are so much better at pronouncing unusual names than adults are. They will never say "ooooh. Can't pronounce that"

prettybird · 02/09/2014 10:37

Live in the moment :)

MyNameIsInigoMontoya · 02/09/2014 10:42

Doing (or saying...) the same thing over and over and over and over and over and over and over again without ever getting bored. As long as it was something they chose to do, and ideally which really really irritates grown-ups.

More seriously, I've seen some good little climbers, and DS may soon have learned to spell better than his dad...

campocaro · 02/09/2014 11:07

Not surprisingly my DD is very good at seeing things from a young person´s point of view. She is frequently telling me niot to sweat an issue and make it more complicated than it really is...

Spirael · 02/09/2014 11:14

Dance. They aren't bothered by thinking they might look silly, so just let loose and go with the music!

prakattack · 02/09/2014 13:28

They're much more flexible! Touching their toes easily - my boys cannot understand why anyone would find that difficult!

HALA · 02/09/2014 13:31

They are much better at gadgets like computers, tablets etc. because they play on them a lot !

heymammy · 02/09/2014 13:48

Most dc are better at thinking outside the box, they're not so blinkered (yet)!

sealight123 · 02/09/2014 13:58

Children don't discriminate (this is something that, unfortunately, some people learn to do) and tend to have less fear, so can find it easier to make friends.

WowOoo · 02/09/2014 14:08

Mine can learn things so quickly compared to me.

They've already learned the words to a song we've had in the car for a week. I'm for ever impressed by their amazing minds.

MadMonkeys · 02/09/2014 15:53

Chatting to strangers
Sleeping through noises
Saying really cute things Smile

telsa · 02/09/2014 17:19

imagine
play
get down on the floor and be fleeeeexible
enjoy things
alter their mood
make friends

DrankSangriaInThePark · 02/09/2014 17:43

Enjoying life and living in the moment.
Being innocent.

Keepcalmanddrinkwine · 02/09/2014 19:14

Children are better at thinking outside the box. Everything isn't set in stone yet and their enthusiasm for new ideas is brilliant.

Lindy2 · 02/09/2014 19:44

Running very fast and completely ignoring any requests along the lines of "be careful", " leave that alone", "get down from there", "a bit quieter" etc etc....

flamingtoaster · 02/09/2014 20:05

Children are much better at relaxing, making every minute of the day count, not being afraid to try new skills, and being really, really curious about everything.

Herecomesthesciencebint · 02/09/2014 21:12

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

funkyfreks · 02/09/2014 22:04

Tell the truth!!
Well up to a certain age that is.
One thing I love about the innocence of a child is the ability to be totally up-front and honest wherever they are *Cringe

Aethelfleda · 02/09/2014 22:06

Kids are much better at living in the moment. And drawing the best helter skelter in the world. And bouncing around with happiness just because it's morning....