Window on the Clearwater
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Editor's Note: Window on the Clearwater joined the Wednesday's Child network a little more than a year ago 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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Tony & Michael

Age: 6-9

Anthony

"Hi, my name's Anthony, but my friends call me Tony. I like to play soccer, ride my bike, rollerblade and ride my skateboard. I like all kinds of sports: football, baseball and soccer."

Tony's foster mom, describes him as "very giving, intelligent and helpful." A sensitive, thoughtful and polite boy, Tony frequently notices when things need to be done and asks if he can help. Tony enjoys saying prayers at mealtimes and before bedtime. He individualizes each prayer and addresses his concerns for specific friends and family members.

A good conversationalist. Tony warms to adults who recognize these traits and appreciate them. He also responds to a calm parenting style. As he is learning to express the grief and loss he's experienced, Tony's adoptive parent(s) can help him overcome the anger that sometimes bubbles to the surface. "Time outs," rather than reactive discipline, give him the time to work through frustration.

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Tony and his younger brother, Michael, are emotionally close to each other. With the right family, they will each be able to build on the progress they've made in a loving and supportive foster family. Their foster mom would love to help that family with a careful transition between homes and to stay in touch with the boys.

Michael

"I'm Michael. I like to ride bikes. I play with puzzles and computer games. And I like to race cars. I like french fries. I don't like pickles."

Michael's foster mom describes him in one word: HAPPY! He is engaging, funny and very affectionate. Very impulsive, this little guy doesn't wait long when there's something to be disassembled or explored. If there's a button anywhere near him, it has to be pushed! Michael plays well on his own, especially with an adult nearby to prompt him about safety and being cautious with breakable things. He enjoys coloring, looking at books and playing uncomplicated games.

Michael's adoption team is looking for a family that has knowledge or experience related to global developmental delays. It is difficult to know the long-term effects of his disabilities because he has made such amazing progress both physically and emotionally within a stimulating, structured environment. It's so important that his parent(s) maximize the progress he's made by accessing community resources. Michael goes to a Special Education school and is learning all his letters. His social worker reports he is "leaps and bounds from where he was even six months ago."

Since Michael loves to mimic what others are doing, he needs redirection if it's too dangerous or not appropriate for him. He would do well in a family where he is the youngest child. Distractions or unexpected changes in his routine can be overcome through positive refocussing and thoughtful transitions whenever possible.

This energetic little boy makes everyone around him smile with his infectious laughter and eyes that mirror the approval and interest he receives from caring adults.

To find out more about Tony and Michael, 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: 30289.

Portrait by Pomerelle Portrait Design Studio

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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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