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/.

Andrew

Age: 12

"Hi. My name is Andrew. You should call me Andy--that's what I like. My friends at school would describe me as someone who makes them laugh. I like to tell knock-knock jokes.

I like almost every sport and basketball is my favorite! I can spin the ball on my finger tip!

I think it's important for a family to know that I am AWESOME. I'm doing well in school, getting mostly B's. I like math and playing baseball. I love Hot Wheels, air hockey, video games, watching movies and just about any sport.

I have two younger brothers who got adopted [in SW Idaho], and I want to be able to see them sometimes."

Andy is a great kid who is full of enthusiasm, affection, and ambition. He is a loving child who is very sweet and endearing. His single-minded determination and energy would not be a match for a family that's not very active.

Andy has made huge progress in areas related to development and behavior. Having a network of folks who maintain firm rules, but also nurture with positive attention could make all the difference in future successes.

Andy might do best in a two-parent family where one parent is at home full-time. The adoption team might also consider a single parent with a supportive network of friends and family, especially if they've had prior successes with a child like Andy.

Andy's parents will need to have access to support services and be willing to try different parenting strategies. Knowing how to use positive attention in a way that encourages desired behavior is crucial. Folks who have already worked with children with emotional or developmental challenges would be the very best match for Andy's needs. Andy also needs a family that stays active and will engage him often in the sports activities he loves.

Andy is capable of making good choices, especially when they are presented in black and white. He needs a family that has realistic expectations related to developmental learning. They must have the desire to meet Andy's needs rather than the other way around. Andy has been working on asking adults for help rather than getting frustrated. Experienced parents could coach him to be direct when he wants something and to accept "no" with grace. For example, when Andy gets stuck on something he can't have, a good-natured reminder that "the answer is still no" helps him move on. A pre-emptive boundary of "food first, dessert later" helps Andy make healthier choices even though sweets rule his heart. Likewise, a numerical limit on things that are presented in bulk helps Andy take only what he needs at the moment. These are abstractions he is learning through patient, repetitive prompts and a foster mom who acknowledges the moment that he remembers without that prompt!

Andy is on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) at school. He is meeting most of his goals and has closed a big gap developmentally. Besides educational advocates, he needs folks who can model and emphasize the social skills he will need to make his way in life.

Andy is a bright young boy who craves attention. He would do well in a family with no other children, or much older children. His abilities expand with a lot of one-on-one attention and a routine that engages many of his interests. When Andy knows what to expect each day and receives reinforcement for good choices, his day shines!

Andy's smile, exuberance, and joy for life make this special boy worth pulling out your best parenting skills and remaining committed to his future. He has so much love to give to the right family!

Portrait by Barb Bergeson Studio Gallery

To find out more about Andrew; adoption or becoming a foster parent, email the Idaho CareLine (Please include your zip code and city.) or call 1-800-926-2588. You may be asked to provide this reference number: 30420.

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