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/.

Kallen

Age: 12

"Hi, my name is Kallen. I like to camp, fish, ride bikes, and I want to hunt someday. I like to play outside and only like to be indoors playing video games when it rains. I am in sixth grade and my favorite subjects are math and spelling. I love animals, especially dogs."

"A good family for me would be an outdoorsy one. I want the family who adopts me to be married, and I want a dad who will take me camping, hunting and fishing. I want a mom that will cook for me and let me help her in the kitchen. I like to eat steak, and I don't like noodles. I think it would be fun to have older brothers that will play outside with me and show me the ropes."

Kallen is smart and quick-witted; he is fun to spend time with because his wheels are always turning. Keeping Kallen busy helps manage his hyperactivity. When boredom sets in, he often "picks and pokes" to get your attention. He is impulsive, inquisitive, learns quickly and adapts well to new situations, and he is most successful when he receives praise and attention. Kallen has learned many coping skills, however; he needs parents who will remind him to use them when he is overwhelmed, excited or upset. He wants a family who can allow him to control some parts of his environment; he says it makes him feel safe.

Kallen responds well to unconditional love, clearly set boundaries and expectations. Kallen's adoptive family may struggle with his need to "have the last word." Patience will be an important characteristic for his adoptive family. Kallen is working hard on becoming an adult, and he needs a family who will help him regulate his emotions so they can build on small successes to help him transition into adulthood.

Kallen needs patient parents who will focus on him, keeping him busy with activities that boost self-esteem. Parents who provide strong boundaries, clear rules and structure will be rewarded by a smoother transition into their home. Kallen's adoptive parents will need to be patient, understanding and able to appreciate him for who he is. ??He deals with emotional challenges by keeping his pain inside until it bubbles to the top. His emotional outbursts are usually the result of frustration, being tired, misunderstanding or feeling that he has been treated unjustly. He has difficulty transitioning between activities and becomes upset if situations change too fast. He needs a family that will warn him of upcoming changes and give him the time he needs to make adjustments. He also has a difficult time waiting for events or gifts.

Kallen will be successful with parents who tap into community resources, including medication management and counseling. Familiarity with how abuse and neglect affect the behavior of children will be paramount to family success. Kallen needs a family to help him transition into adolescence and to teach him how to be a well-adjusted, happy and successful young man. Allowing contact between Kallen and younger sister is important. They are bonded, though they need separate homes. Do you have room in your heart and your home for this special child? Kallen has so much to offer the right family!

Portraits by Matt Green from Barb Bergeson Studio Gallery

To find out more about Kallen, 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: 30204.You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30204.

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