Delivering Newspaper with the Hintons

We have become friends with Janet and Carlos Hinton, unschoolers who live in Chelmsford just a couple of miles away. For some strange reason their 13- and 11-year old boys (Alex and Antonio) have become buddies with Supriya and Aseem (who are only 6 and 4 after all). They love building stuff together, doing pretend-play, running around and generally hanging out together.

This past Thursday we accompanied them as they went for their newspaper-delivery. It was a hike in the pleasant fall afternoon from about 12:30 to 2, as the kids delivered the Lowell Sun to 41 houses in their neighborhood. Aseem and Supriya loved helping out the older boys. It was especially sweet watching Aseem holding the newspaper "properly" (so that nothing would slip out) and deliver it to the doorsteps. The boys were very gracious & let my kids help out.

At the end Aseem and Supriya got one whole dollar each for their hard work. Supriya was very happy. I don't think Aseem really understood that the piece of paper was actually exchangeable for candy! On the other hand I think the chance to help out & deliver newspaper were their own rewards as far Aseem was concerned. I think Supriya is beginning to get the concept that she too can make money of her own by adding value to somebody's life. A very educational trip overall...