Service Learning Superstar. Household Intern on Strike

I have said this before, but this time I come with evidence. Video evidence. Documentary level proof.

I would like to formally present: Noah at Schoolversus Noah at Home.

In the first video, you will see Noah participating in service learning at a local elementary school. He is filling small bags with food items. And when I say filling them, I mean focused, efficient, on task. There is noise. There is movement. There are other children. Not one redirection. Not one dramatic sigh. He simply grabs the items and places them in the bag like a tiny, highly committed volunteer of the year.

He looks like he has a retirement plan and a LinkedIn profile.

Truly, I am proud. I love that he is helpful at school and in the community. I want him to learn how to work. I want him to serve others. I want him to grow into a capable, contributing adult.

I would just also like him to occasionally contribute to this household.

Now we transition to the home version.

Since Noah refused to participate in a reenactment, his sisters bravely volunteered to portray him. Riley delivers an award winning performance. If you have ever asked Noah to assemble goody bags for a party, pack treats for his class, or help prepare something for a teacher, you will recognize this scene immediately.

At home, when asked to do the exact same task he performs flawlessly at school, Noah responds in one of two ways:

Option one: He does not move.

Option two: He looks at you as if you have just asked him to solve a complex math equation in ancient Greek.

There is confusion. There is selective hearing. There is the blank stare that suggests he has never seen a bag in his life.

We have lived this. Birthday parties. Classroom celebrations. Holiday treats. Same child. Same hands. Entirely different employee.

So yes, I am grateful that the community receives Productive Noah. I am thrilled that his teachers get Focused Noah. I celebrate Service Learning Noah.

I am simply waiting for Helpful At Home Noah to make a guest appearance.

Until then, I will enjoy the video proof that he is, in fact, capable. Even if he prefers to reserve those skills for the public.

For more behind the scenes footage of this small but mighty human, follow the blog and connect with us on Facebook. I promise honesty, humor, and very selective cooperation.