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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:
Oldbiddywilkins · 06/09/2014 18:42

Use technology! They don't have the fear that a lot of adults have surrounding modern technology and computing.

tinkertink2010 · 06/09/2014 18:44

Telling the truth :) out of the moths of babes!

VictoriaSt · 06/09/2014 18:54

say what they mean....which is not necessarily the best thing haha!

mummsie72 · 06/09/2014 19:36

Better imaginationsand more creative than the average adult, no predjudices.

stacie28 · 06/09/2014 19:48

have fun!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Theherbofdeath · 06/09/2014 19:56

Singing sacred music as a treble - eg choirboys and girls.

SunnyPath · 06/09/2014 20:01

Always remember where I parked the car.

sc00ter · 06/09/2014 20:10
  1. They can really laugh at themselves and feel bad about e.g falling over in the classroom where as we would die a thousand deaths.
  2. They see people for who they are - e.g there don't see peoples disabilities etc.
  3. They are more inquisitive of the world around them.
  4. They don't get bothered if they make mistakes - they just carry on and try again.
Nottheshrinkingcapgrandpa · 06/09/2014 20:11

Trying new things without fear.

angelabbie123 · 06/09/2014 20:15

Enjoy life for the little things

ilovemovies · 06/09/2014 20:24

Children are a lot better at telling the truth and saying things as they are! They are good at imagining things too and coming up with sometimes the simple solutions

freefan · 06/09/2014 20:41

I think children are much better at being honest and just taking things as they come

kandyxxxz · 06/09/2014 20:45

Dancing fearlessly.

Being endlessly imaginative and creative.

Reacting and adapting better to odd or unexpected situations since so many situations are new to them and they adapt almost flawlessly whereas adults are used to things being a certain way.

arat · 06/09/2014 20:56

Anything to do with computers & techie stuff. I used to be just about OK with the laptop, but tablets, smartphones & apps are beyond me!

katieskatie1982 · 06/09/2014 20:59

for me its technology! My 6 year old son is much better at using the tv, dvd player and my phone better than i am!!

Kem99 · 06/09/2014 21:32

My DD is better at being more stylish than I was at her age. My 5yr old DS is better with technology that I am.

Lent1l · 06/09/2014 21:40

Enjoying little things
Being honest
Accepting people for who they are
Not worrying about how things look to others

Reminding adults that there is only one life and we should make the most of it and enjoy and treasure every minute of it.

Mummageddon · 06/09/2014 22:00

Mine always notices tiny details that I miss. He'll be shouting out the name of his favourite cbeebies character and I have no idea why until he's pointing at e.g. a tiny little picture in a far off shop window on the other side of the road.

He still notices and wonders about the things that I don't see anymore.

dragon60 · 06/09/2014 22:36

I think small children are great with new technology. Because they have no fear about things going wrong, they happilly press the buttons and find out what happens on any gadget, whereas us 'oldies' tend to be a little more careful in case we break something!

tiddles12 · 06/09/2014 22:38

anything related to IT, adventure, and making friends

gk6277 · 06/09/2014 22:46

Be non judgemental and unbiased and open; they sadly learn to lose this from the influences of those around them !

BubblingBlancmange · 06/09/2014 23:25

Freestyle dancing - they are so uninhibited - my two both love to rock out!

AtYourCervix · 06/09/2014 23:27

Cartwheel.

LizB62 · 07/09/2014 00:42

They're very logical, and see things as black and white, there are rarely any grey areas with children!
And they're so much better at technology than me !

mickess · 07/09/2014 06:56

They have no fear and are willing to try something new much more easily.