At just 7½ years old, Wren is already full of curiosity, kindness, and some impressive academic flair. She loves reading picture books using her phonics skills, confidently tackles double-digit addition, and is especially proud of learning her 9s multiplication tables (which she would be happy to demonstrate). At the grocery store, she enjoys counting money and takes the job very seriously. But of all the things Wren knows about herself, one rises above the rest: she wants gentle parents.
A Big Heart in a Small Body
Wren has been diagnosed with ADHD and Tourette’s Syndrome, which means she’s learning how to navigate some very big feelings, executive functioning skills, and impulse control with remarkable effort and bravery. She thrives with encouragement, praise, and adults who notice her wins—especially when she gets some small rewards and calm reminders to slow down. A quiet, predictable environment helps her feel safe and steady.
She’s observant, learns quickly, and can be just a tiny bit bossy (the kind that suggests future boss girl energy). While she sometimes lacks confidence, she’s sweet, cooperative, and always eager to help. Wren has a strong sense of justice and a soft spot for younger children—if someone needs support, she will notice and make sure an adult is involved. Order must be restored.
The Things That Make Wren Smile
Wren loves pink, strawberries, drawing, swings, electronic toys, and art class at school. Her beloved white rabbit is always close by. She enjoys helping around the house and dreams of becoming a teacher one day—clearly already practicing. At bedtime, she finds comfort in soft music and quietly chatting to herself as she drifts off to sleep, reassured simply by knowing a caring adult is nearby.
She can say (actually, sweetly whisper) her ABCs in English and correctly answer questions about the book Physical therapist shared with her. She’s also brave enough to voice the question that lives close to her heart: “Where are my parents?”
The Right Family for Wren
Wren will flourish with patient, trauma-informed parents who understand her needs and honor her request for gentleness. She needs caregivers who can walk beside her through big emotions, celebrate her growing confidence, and treasure the tender moments—like when she reaches out for a hug or offers to help without being asked. Her parents need to be ready to with TBRI training and an openness to ADHD therapy to help with the behaviors that can sometimes come with that diagnosis.
📩 If you think you might be the family Wren has been asking for, please contact InternationalPrograms@gladney.org. Our Superkids team met Wren on our most recent trip and came back with even more to share about her personality and strengths.