Please or to access all these features

Sponsored threads

This topic is for sponsored discussions. If you'd like to run one with us, please email [email protected].

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

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:
glennamy · 06/09/2014 13:11

Children do not pre-judge people and can make friends very easily.

They also very honest and can be quite fearless.

I also love how inquisitive they can be.

I most like the deep laughs or giggles that they often get, nothing sounds better!

lizd31 · 06/09/2014 13:31

making friends is easier for kids

lilmiztam22 · 06/09/2014 13:52

using their imagination!

WarmHugs · 06/09/2014 14:11

Children are much better at telling the truth. Unfortunately, I now know that my bum is big, and I have some white hairs in my brown hair.

Eva50 · 06/09/2014 14:35

Learning piano. Ds3's fingers are so much more dexterous than mine.

KristinaM · 06/09/2014 15:00

Biting their toenails

jcyclops · 06/09/2014 15:31

If you want to change the light bulbs in your car you need someone under 10 to do it! An adults hands and Fingers are just too big. It always seems strange that some countries make you carry spare bulbs by law when there is no way you could replace one that failed unless the kids are with you!

lhlee62 · 06/09/2014 15:40

Kids are better at just saying what they want and when they want. They are also so pure and innocent people can't help but love them and treat them differently to adults. We were in a restaurant on Sunday and as we were leaving she just announced "Bye Bye everybody" at the top of her voice, everyone thought it was very cute, but if I had done it people would probably thought I was a bit loopy!!

Kids are also very good at making friends, they just walk up to one another and play, there's no pretense of uncertainty :)

Clairescottshug · 06/09/2014 15:42

Technology - they get it sooo quickly!

Ability to make friends so easy

Always can make fun and play with anything !

anana · 06/09/2014 15:43

Children are far better at speaking the truth...no mind games, no hidden agendas, just say it as it is!!

supergreenuk · 06/09/2014 15:48

Being genuinely happy. Like Christmas or new yr we put so much emphasis on it being a happy day that it actually feels like enforced happiness for adults. For children it's just an excitement central.

Wjjkl · 06/09/2014 16:09

Saying what they think!

Gbear0382 · 06/09/2014 16:17

Children are definitely more tech-savvy than us adults (although that brings its own dangers). They seem to be able to pick up new gadgets and intuitively find their way around them whilst adults can take much longer to master them.

littleme96 · 06/09/2014 16:37

Children are far better at using their imaginations!

They can "work" a mismatched outfit so that it looks great, but an adult would look ridiculous in!

They can ask any question they like, no matter how silly, with no fear of ridicule.

My children are also much better at drawing than I am. I never got past the stick-man stage...

pattiesplum · 06/09/2014 16:41

Anything involving flexibility an babies and toddlers sit beautifully straight.

Suewannywin · 06/09/2014 16:43

Kids tell the truth way better than adults! (Even if they are painful truths - "mum you have a lot of spots today")

sl31 · 06/09/2014 16:45

much better understanding of how technology works

hdh747 · 06/09/2014 16:54

Give their opinions honestly and usually without an ulterior motive!

beckyinman · 06/09/2014 17:11

Learning things!

changeeverything · 06/09/2014 17:19

Work out new gadgets in no time
Live in the present
Speak their mind

sugar1975 · 06/09/2014 17:43

Fighting their fears

alabaster002 · 06/09/2014 17:51

Say it as it is without fear or prejudice

mawbroon · 06/09/2014 17:53

Learning new skills for example a musical instrument.

compy99 · 06/09/2014 18:08

Listen! usually to things that you would rather that they hadn't over-heard! A child will seriously listen and take in what you are saying, adults tend to half listen as they have their minds on many things all at once and rarely give their undivided attention.

GMAllen1993 · 06/09/2014 18:13

Better at imagination and creativity. Children are magical and will see a totally different side of things to adults x