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Editor's Note: Window on the Clearwater has joined the Wednesday's Child network to help spread the word about children that are waiting for families to give them the loving care that they need. Each Wednesday we will profile a different child. For more information about Wednesday's Child and how you can be involved check the web site at: http://www.idahowednesdayschild.org/.

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Dominick & Courtney

Ages: 3 - 5

These two energetic siblings will melt your heart when you see them walking together hand-in-hand. They love and need each other, even when they are competing for your attention. Dominick and Courtney are learning new adaptive behaviors that need the patience and non-reactive emotions of a calm couple with no other younger children. A fun, creative, firm-but-not-permissive parenting style is a must!

Courtney

"My name is Courtney. I'm looking for my mommy. I love to swing. I wear pretty dresses. I like to have my nails polished and wear pretend make-up. I like to play with my Barbies in my Barbie house. I like to swim and jump on the trampoline."

Courtney is a sweet little girl who enjoys being the center of attention. She enjoys solitary imaginary play. Dress up, fingernail polish and play make-up are her favorite things! Playing cooperatively with friends will be the next exciting milestone she will accomplish through consistent modeling.

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Courtney knows no strangers. She will readily go to anyone who is kind to her. This can be both endearing, as well as a safety issue. A change in caregivers at critical times in development has challenged her ability to regulate her emotions or to trust that any adult will take care of her needs. Her adoptive parents must set safe boundaries and establish an environment where extended tantrums are met with consistently nurturing reactions that also help reinforce wise rules.

Courtney is learning to self-regulate emotions and behavior and she's come a long way. Tantruming behavior is ignored and good choices and sharing are reinforced. She can have multiple lengthy tantrums in a day, and bedtime is especially trying. However, she is learning new ways of coping, and most of her behavior is so endearing!

Check last week's Wednesday's Child for more about Dominick.

Courtney and Dominick need to be the only children in the family or have only young adult sibling(s) who will help rather than resent the extra attention these children will require, especially during the first few years. Adoptive parents must be a cooperative team who are on the same page when it comes to seeking help for the children and themselves during difficult times. That will require a strong, supportive network and respite plans for parents who may need a break now and then.

For the right couple, these children could bring many triumphs as they learn to trust a reliable circle of safety, certainty and unconditional love.

Portraits by Pomerelle Portrait Design Studios

To find out more about Dominick and Courtney, call the Idaho CareLine number, 1-800-926-2588. In Idaho you can dial 2-1-1. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30328.

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Window on the Clearwater
P.O. Box 2444
Orofino, ID 83544
208-476-0733
Fax: 208-476-3407
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