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/.

Alexander & Nicholas

Age: 9-10

Alexander (on the right)

"My name is Alexander. My friends call me 'Alex.' I like to play toy cars with my brother, Nicky. We play ball too. Someday I'd like to go camping or to the beach with our family. We like to go to church. If I could choose, I would be the oldest kid in the family because I like being the big brother. I want a mom or dad who will love and take care of me and Nicky."

According to Alex's social worker, his strength lies in his bond with his brother. Unlike many siblings, they seldom ever disagree. They can play for hours with each other, and Alex watches out for Nicky. Like most boys, they enjoy outside activities, wrestling around, super heros, and CARS!

Within a structured environment that also allows him to go at his own pace, Alex is amazing everyone! He is doing better socially, especially when he can interact in small groups or one-on-one. He feels much more capable and confident when he knows the rules and limits. Gentle prompts and positive feedback help him adjust to new or changing environments.

Alex is in the fourth grade. Extra supports in the classroom have added to his successes and helped him address cognitive delays and attention challenges. Counseling and medication therapy have combined with Alex's own efforts to bring about some terrific results. He is a hands-on learner with strong visual-spatial skills. His adoptive parent(s) can work with the school and at home by using strengths such as these. The bottom line: Alex is one great kid who responds positively to positive people.

Nicholas

"Hi. I'm Nicholas, but everyone calls me Nicky. My favorite subject at school is Math. I like to color and watch TV. I also like to play cars and ball with Alex. I like going to the beach too. I hope our new family will take us to places where they have rides, and I hope they'll let us have a dog. Someday I would like to ride a horse and drive a car."

Nicky is an exuberant boy who loves to rough and tumble with Alex. His happy disposition wins friends wherever he goes. Nicky looks to his older brother for approval and direction. They share many interests, especially their love of cars.

Nicky and Alex enjoy a comfortable camaraderie that has supported them through difficult times. It will continue to do so as they adjust to their adoptive family. They need folks who will facilitate contact with their sisters. They need a single parent or couple with the patience and energy to stay on top of individual needs. A parent who understands the impact early neglect and abuse can have on a child's well-being and development will be crucial to maximizing current learning and growth. For instance, they need prompts to focus and be aware of other people's feelings, prompts to slow down when eating and know they will have enough to eat, and prompts to look both ways in a parking lot or on the street. Experience with or a plan for working with ADHD is highly desirable. A family's access to medical professionals and to other supportive resources in the community will also build on current progress.

These well-bonded brothers have what it takes to succeed. They could add so much life and love to a family. Could you be a part of their continued successes?

Alexander and Nicholas are available for adoption through the State of Oregon. For contact information, please contact the Idaho CareLine at 1-800-926-2588.

Portrait by Pomerelle Portrait Design Studios

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