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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:
Laquitar · 05/09/2014 16:40

Languages.
They can switch from one language to another very naturally. They can also adapt easier into other countries.

They are better at living the 'now'.

They are better at saying things without thinking before hand:P

Lovewhereilive · 05/09/2014 17:01

Work the tv and all the gadgets!
They are more flexible and can do more gymnastic-style things.
They are better at forgiving.
And lots more I can't think of.
Remembering - definitely better at that than me!

WheresTheCoffee · 05/09/2014 17:12

As a general rule, DS is better at listening to his body than me. If he needs a rest, he has one!

Hopelass · 05/09/2014 17:15

Definitely socialising, they have none of the social restraint or awkwardness of adults.

NoWayYesWay · 05/09/2014 17:18

I can think of eight things...

MarioParty 1
MarioParty 2
MarioParty 3
MarioParty 4
MarioParty 5
MarioParty 6
MarioParty 7
MarioParty 8

[comfused]

CheeseEMouse · 05/09/2014 20:04

Agree with everyone who says working outhow to use technology. But also my daughter is pretty fearless about what food she eats.... Unlike my husband!

ElizaScott · 05/09/2014 21:32

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milliemoon · 05/09/2014 22:30

Finding humour in everything!

andywedge · 06/09/2014 01:07

They can see the world through far better eyes and have a better way of describing what they see; for example, when my son was younger he said, when the sun was coming up that 'the light was mending the dark'.

rainbowvalley · 06/09/2014 01:44

Having fun, taking things at face value, being creative and learning especially new languages!

Shazgo · 06/09/2014 03:21

I think kids are better at getting out of sticky situations. Whenever they are in trouble they talk their way out of it leaving the other person with a smile on their face.

Another thing they are better at is trying new things. They seem to be pretty fearless.

Chell53 · 06/09/2014 03:39

I think kids can do a lot of things better than adults. They're like sponges, they just absorb things and then go with them. Adults find that much harder. Almost makes you wish they'd never grow up.

bonhomme · 06/09/2014 04:37

Children are better at getting on with each other, than adults

ThemisA · 06/09/2014 06:38

Having fun from the simple things in life. IT and learning how to use new gadgets. Learning new things such as languages and being energetic.

WaxyBean · 06/09/2014 07:14

Learning new skills!

Sallyannlloydjones · 06/09/2014 07:31

Live in the moment.
Get excited about treats and birthdays.
Make adults laugh and smile.

BikeRunSki · 06/09/2014 07:36

Laughing
Fighting
Remembering stuff. Not like shoes and school bag, but how many fish fingers are left, the name of the little boy we met on the beach and what flavour ice cream he had on holiday 2 years ago.
Ds (6 on Sunday) also has an encyclopaedic knowledge of Star Wars.

libra101 · 06/09/2014 08:01

Children are usually so much better at using technology than adults. They seem to use new gadgets intuitively, and are not afraid to make errors. Unlike adults who (generally) plod along at a much slower pace.

maryandbuzz1 · 06/09/2014 08:07

Use their imagination!

marcc82 · 06/09/2014 08:09

Cry

Mistyblue01 · 06/09/2014 08:32

Children are better at adapting to change, they worry less about it and accept different situations.

barbsbarbs · 06/09/2014 08:38

forgive and forget

juju3 · 06/09/2014 08:43

Enjoying themselves

pusinky · 06/09/2014 08:49

using technology and learning new things

tabbaz123 · 06/09/2014 09:21

Children are faster learners so things like learning a new language etc is certainly easier for them. I think their imagination can be better than adults as they are free and unrestricted sometimes in their imagination.