[toyjsu]

We have been discussing the option of adopting an older child. I am more for it than my husband. We already have a 3 year old bio child. As far as we know I can have more children but we still want to adopt eventually. I would like to hear from parents who have adopted a child older than their other child(ren). I would also like to hear from people who have adopted after chosing a child from adoptablekids.

[lucyjoy]

Younger children tend to imitate older children. I took an 11 year old who taught my 6 year old to steal. My six year old also mimics the older boy who likes to pretend he can't do anything(ex:count, read). I wonder sometimes if my six year olds personality would be different if he hadn't had this older child to mimic.(Both children do have good personalities).

There also is a risk that an older child may abuse your younger child. Children who have been abused often don't have clear boundaries and may engage in unsafe bahavior with your child.

I would not reccommend taking a child older then your youngest child.