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

[MichelleMumsnet]

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

Children are much more accepting of things as they appear. They see the good in everything. I think as adults, we tend to overanalyse and criticise things. I might see my yard and think 'Oh great, more weeds to pull up' whereas DS would look at the same weed and think 'Wow, a lovely flower!'.

I think kids are just so much more creative than adults. They are able to imagine characters and stories and adventures so much more easily as there are no limits to their imaginations.

Adults tend to be limited by reality and that kind of sucks when it comes to being really creative, imaginative and dreaming big.

I think kids can allow for bigger possibilities too - My 2 year old wants to be an astronaut and jump on the moon! I don't want to tell her how unlikely that is - because actually why can't she be one of the few who do make it as an astronaut.

Children are so good at:

Being genuinely enthusiastic about ordinary things in life
Being able to express themselves emotionally in any situation
Being able to laugh with such positive energy.

Think creatively & be confident

Kids are so much better at making conversation even when there is nothing to talk about

The children are much better at multi-tasking particularly with technology !

Seeing the magic in life.

Children are much better than adults at problem solving. My ds accidentally broke his favourite toy, I was irreparable. His eyes filled with tears and then he said "hang on a minute" ran upstairs and managed to make a replacement part using lego and blue tac. He still plays with it every day and changes the lego every so often so sometimes it is a hand, a rocket or a multitude of other fantastic ideas.

Get over an argument or upset by receiving a hug with no lasting grudges.

Playing in any situation with any props

my son can do 100 sit/stand/sit/stand jumps on the trampoline without stopping talking to me. i can't breath and need to lie down after ten not to mention the pelvic floor issues it presents.

i think he may also have already overtaken me in social skills and chats to everyone on the street and makes friends wherever we go.

so i guess i envy him his amazing fitness and his social ease.

Dance in an unselfconscious, uninhibited, it's a joy to be alive fashion.

I find that my daughter's confidence is just limitless. I think that this's something which can dwindle with age

My DC are infinitely better than me at everything to do with computers/the remote control/TV programming/sorting out my smart phone.

living with freedom and spirit.they have less questions when they want to do stuff.they just are.they just be.in the moment.haha they are the very things of the therapy mindfullness lots of people are following.

oh and often there writing is actually much better than some adults.i really cant read grandpas

Concentrate on tasks. For example immerse themselves in a TV programme without drifting off into thought , checking a phone or fidgeting.

Oh memory games definitely. Matching pairs. I can never remember where they are (possibly because I don't concentrate as much. But my 5 year old is better than me.

Forgiving as well. My girls forget an argument in seconds.I wish adults could do that.

Find ways to play with random objects destined for the recycle bin.
Strike up conversation with strangers, this make friends quickly.
Their imagination is limitless.
Try forgive quickly.
They laugh at the most random/mundane things.
Fear nothing so will always want to try new things.

Ask people they have met before what their name is. Be unsubtle about people they think look strange. Avoiding tidying up.
Making amazing creations out of Lego.

Physical flexibility
Lack of fear
Speaking directly
Questioning everything
Singing or dancing without being self-conscious
Resilience
Learning language
Negotiation
Delay-tactics

My DC can sniff out if there is an ice cream van or kiosk at an attraction within 10 seconds. A useful skill.

The monkey bars! My daughter whips my butt every time! Lol also making friends! My 3 year old makes a new best friend every time we go to the park :)

GIVE everything freely!
Hugs
Of themselves

Gifts from nature (5 yr old: daily gives me a stone/slug/snail or flower picked up on walk to/from school)

I once read that children give you 'rubbish', because that's all they have to give. Since then, my household is overrun with this 'rubbish' - I draw the line at slugs, but have explained to daughter why this is so and why she cannot keep them in her bed.

I think the most boring child is much funnier than the best comedian.

Kids just can't help being hilarious!!

Telling the truth Out of the mouths of babes comes the truth