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We adopted a 3 1/2 year old a little more than a month ago and I agree that you should read the "Weavers Craft - Toddler Adoption". It is very informative and pretty accurate. We have a son that is 8 years old so we did not want to adopt an infant (as the age difference would be too great). There are definitely benefits to both ages - baby and toddler. A toddler is a huge challenge, but if you have your heart set on a toddler it can be very rewarding. Our son has been a challenge, but after only a month he has truly become a member of our family. He plays with his brother and for us it was the right choice. The biggest challenges we have faced is the language barrier and the fact that he was rarely if ever disciplined. It has taken a lot of dedication, patience and energy to help him understand that we do have rules and that some behavior is not acceptable. Also, if you do not speak any spanish a toddler is tough. They say that you can communicate with gestures and that it is best to speak only english first so they learn english, but I found this almost impossible the first 2-3 weeks. I speak spanish and my sister is fluent which has helped immensely. Also, there is a free translation online that can help you too. Good luck!
Julie
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