Tanner, 12 years old, MO | 41 DAYS WAITING

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Tanner is a quiet, gentle boy with a big imagination and a love for simple, hands-on activities. He especially enjoys building with Legos, getting lost in books, and spending time outdoors. Fishing and searching for bugs are some of his favorite ways to explore the world around him. Tanner is naturally shy and soft-spoken, and he often takes time to feel comfortable in new environments. Like many children who have experienced a lot of change, he can find it difficult to express big feelings with words. When he becomes overwhelmed or frustrated, he may need extra support to help him calm his body and communicate what he is feeling in a safe way. He is working hard on learning healthier ways to manage his emotions and is motivated by his desire for stability and a forever family. Tanner has experienced multiple foster home placements and truly hopes to find a consistent, caring home where he can feel safe, understood, and supported long-term. With patience, consistency, and a nurturing environment, Tanner has the potential to thrive. He does best with caregivers who can gently guide him, help him build emotional regulation skills, and celebrate his strengths—like his curiosity, creativity, and love of learning.

A punching bag could really help Tanner as he learns to handle strong emotions. He’s still figuring out how to identify feelings like sadness, frustration, and feeling alone, and sometimes those feelings can get too big for him to manage. Having a punching bag gives Tanner a safe way to let out that extra energy. Instead of keeping everything inside until he gets overwhelmed, he can hit the bag to release stress and start feeling better right away. This physical activity can also teach Tanner important coping skills. With support from caregivers, he can learn to talk about his feelings and find calmer ways to deal with them, helping him connect his emotions to words and healthier responses. Ultimately, it helps Tanner feel more in control of his body and emotions when things get tough. This can reduce outbursts, support emotional stability, and help him feel safer and understood as he works to build trust in his surroundings.