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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:
moonray · 07/09/2014 07:25

Dream!! Their power of imagination is endless :-)

iwasyoungonce · 07/09/2014 08:25

Making friends. They do this so easily, I'd love to have the same confidence in that respect.

samcornfield · 07/09/2014 08:52

My daughter is definitely more creative and imaginative than most adults that I know. My son is much better than us at intuitively learning how to use technology, that is not to say that he is better at using it eventually - he just learns how quicker.

sscrase · 07/09/2014 10:15

Observation and soaking up new skills/information. Especially with new technology. I'm good with IT (Should be it's my job) but the speed my lad can pickup new things is scary for a 5 yr old.

jodiecrossley1 · 07/09/2014 10:32

Being honest, seeing things for what they are, making friends, imaginative

Marg2k8 · 07/09/2014 10:36

I think they are better at giving honest answers. If you ask a child "Does my Bum look big in this?" They would tell you yes or no without hesitation.

Cailin7 · 07/09/2014 11:22

Learn languages

happysouls · 07/09/2014 11:44

Interact without inhibitions and have an amazing time as a result!

marymanc · 07/09/2014 12:59

Use technology better and learn it quicker than adults.
They are very fit and can do splits and cat-wheels.
Laugh genuinely and live the moment.
Speak their mind.

Solo · 07/09/2014 13:49

Children make friends sooooo easily! they just start playing together. Dd goes swimming and within seconds she is playing with/talking to/swimming with someone else that becomes 'her new friend'. Recently, it's a lady of about 55. I couldn't do that.

BL0SS0M · 07/09/2014 14:07

Children are better at being true to themselves and being incredibly honest with others...which is often hilarious to watch!

CrewElla · 07/09/2014 15:07

Live in the moment and forgive easily. I think it would be a better place if we could be more childlike.

26jibby · 07/09/2014 15:12

Anything technical. mobile phones computers etc

Gorja · 07/09/2014 15:13

Tell the truth.

retromummy · 07/09/2014 15:33

Quite simply children are far better at getting away with things than adults are!

sanfairyanne · 07/09/2014 17:07

tiny stitching
tiny buttons on annoying sylvanian family outfits
run for hours at a time without exhaustion
hug people and make them feel better

donut1 · 07/09/2014 17:47

Children are more forgiving than adults.
If I need to change any of my facebook settings, I just ask one of the kids.
Children seem to be able to pick up any gadget and know how to use it.

becks2134 · 07/09/2014 20:17

my daughter has a better memory than me, i'm so forgetful and she does not forget ANYTHING! :)

sarah861421 · 07/09/2014 21:11

so many things.
Laugh, relax, enjoy the simplicity of life, treat others as equals

Ethan260908 · 07/09/2014 21:37

like most comments above I would have to agree and say first and foremost living in the moment, but I would also add languages (both real and pretend - quote Dory I didn't know I could speak Whale), ability to be able to play and survive all day long on juice if needs be when happy and in the zone (no need to call Childline - food is offered at various intervals), the ability to impress adults aswell as make them laugh their socks off too, trampolining skills, politeness, sincerity, come to think about it what areas am I any good at or better than my son.......cooking.... er no discount that too, worrying that's it I am much better at worrying - good skills set nailed down...phew

chezvic · 07/09/2014 22:02

My little one can do things on my iPad that I didn't even knife existed and she's not even 2 yet!

MrsBartlet · 07/09/2014 22:02

Imagine.

KateOxford · 07/09/2014 22:17

My son aged 4 is much better than me at making things, particularly lego models. He will sit and follow the instructions and often will tell me where I've gone wrong! He sits and fiddles around with my daughters duplo and I'm amazed when he comes out with the clever models that he does.

ukbliss2012 · 07/09/2014 22:39

Children are better at learning to forgive and forget whereas us adults can bear a grudge for life!

MrsJefferies · 08/09/2014 08:57

They are much better at relaxing and having fun than adults. Better at making friends too!