Noah at School vs. Noah at Home: Part I

It is no secret that kids often behave one way for their parents and an entirely different way for the rest of humanity. Noah has decided to elevate this concept into an art form. At his new school he is now a working man about town. He rakes leaves at local churches, picks up trash, dusts pews, washes dishes in the cafeteria and completes whatever other task they place in front of him.

I was mildly alarmed when his teachers said they planned to use Noah as a substitute during his very first year. Apparently there was no need for concern. Noah is a star employee. He follows directions, does every job, and even receives payment that he proudly uses to shop at the school store. Who is this child and why does he not live in my house.

He recently won an award for his community service, which is wonderful. I love that he is learning, participating and enjoying these new adventures. I simply wish he would bring even a teaspoon of that enthusiasm home. Instead he looks at us as if we have two heads, insists he does not understand a word we say, or gifts us that classic teenage stare that suggests he is questioning every life choice that brought him into our living room.

His sisters, Ziva and Ilyia, kindly volunteered to portray both versions of Noah in a video. Ziva plays Noah at school. Ilyia plays Noah at home. The contrast is dramatic. If you need a good laugh, the short videos are waiting for you on Facebook. I suspect many of you will feel seen.