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/.

Daniel & Nathan

Age: 3 - 7

Daniel and Nathan are beautiful, active, creative brothers who need a family to call their own. They want to stay together and will need a family who can meet each of their needs, give them both time and attention, love and affection, and help them foster healthy bonds with each other and within the family. Spending the day with these engaging boys was a truly rewarding experience and highlighted their unique abilities, interests, and needs. They are opposites in many ways, but one commonality is their need and desire to have a permanent family.

Daniel

"Hi. I'm Daniel. I'm in the first grade. I think school is OK, but my favorite part of school is playing football at recess. I also like spelling, math, and lunch. After school I like to play video games. Sonic games are my favorite. I would really like to have a Nintendo DS, too. Another thing I would like is a dog. I think it would be really cool to have a German Sheppard. My friends would say I'm a sports guy and a kid who draws. I want to do good in school and maybe play more sports. When I think of a good family, I think it means a safe place where you do really fun things together."

Daniel has been described as an engaging, artistic and friendly young boy who thrives on individual attention. His foster mother reports he can sometimes be "intense," but he can be easily coaxed to smile to show-off his dimples. Getting a smile out of Daniel is a huge reward for the recipient, as it lights his whole face. His otherwise soulful eyes tell a story of loss and heartbreak for this young boy. Daniel responds to firm, consistent limits and structure. He seems to appreciate a hug and displays of affection. Daniel continues to overcome many challenges and is very resilient. He is artistic and very excited about learning. He seems to have an inherent curiosity about many things. He responds very well to one-on-one adult attention and direction.

Daniel will need a mom and dad who have the skills, abilities, and understanding of children who have experienced trauma. Daniel must be placed with his three year old brother, Nathan. Good communication skills, consistency in the home, familiar routines, established boundaries and rules, and nurturance are important to this young boy.

Nathan

Nathan is an active, happy, cooperative, easy going little boy. He can almost always be found with a smile on his face and mischievous look in his eye. He is very perceptive and follows instructions very well for his age. Nathan is easily entertained and excitable about many things, even having ketchup with his chicken nuggets and getting a new toothbrush and his very own blanket!

Nathan has been described as an even-tempered child who is social, artistic and active. He enjoys reading books with his foster mother, coloring, playing with his trucks outside, and learning to ride a bike. He gets along well with other children and adores his big brother, Daniel. Even with a chaotic early life, Nathan seems excited about learning, is affectionate, loving, and curious.

Nathan will need a safe, stable, permanent home in which to grow and progress developmentally. He will need ongoing support, consistency and stability to meet his needs and challenges. Firm limits, tender displays of affection, and rewards for positive choices are all things Nathan responds well to.

The parents of Daniel and Nathan will need to facilitate a healthy relationship between the two of them. They will need to be familiar with accessing therapy services, private and community resources, and educational needs. The challenges of raising these two boys would be far outweighed by the many rewards sure to come in the years ahead. Do you have room in your home and hearts to love and commit to these endearing young boys? If so, we want to hear from you!

Portraits by Matt Green from Barb Bergeson Studio Gallery

To find out more about Daniel & Nathan, adoption or becoming a foster parent, email the Idaho CareLine or call 1-800-926-2588. In Idaho you can dial 2-1-1. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30382.

Wednesday's Child Archives...