I've been thinking a lot about birth order as we start the adoption process again. K was the first born by her birth mom, and first child for my hubby and myself, and so she is the eldest, first child in every possible sense.

I haven't wanted to mess up that up by adopted 'out of birth order', although our agency says that the best way to add to a family is to add to the middle of the children.

In other words, if we had an eight year old and a three year old, we'd adopt a five year old. The agency says that children already in the family do better if they don't get displaced as oldest or youngest, a middle child can just change the middle status a bit...

Make sense?

The trainer has about ten years experience watching and counseling adoptive families, so I believe him.

After we adopt number two, I'll worry about adding number three in the middle.

Oh heavens! Did I really say that? Number three????

3?


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I'm the oldest of three girls, and it showed in the
Birth Order Quiz

Eldest children are generally the focus of their parents' attention until younger siblings are introduced into the family. While this early attachment with adults fosters a positive self-image, eldest children tend to be concerned that they will lose their caregivers' love and attention if younger siblings join the family. Thus, eldest children tend to be sensitive about receiving enough attention, and can also be very competitive in a variety of areas.

The flip side of this situation is that when younger siblings arrive, eldest children take on a new role that gives them power and respect. They begin to view themselves as leaders in relation to their younger siblings. To establish authority and protect their role as the eldest sibling, they strive to succeed at everything they do and become even more competitive. Frequently, eldest children grow up enjoying being the center of attention, and can, in certain circumstance, take on a sense of exaggerated self-importance.

Occupations that are generally well suited for only children include politicians, astronauts, college professors or members of other learned groups. This is because eldest children are usually attracted to professions that are powerful and prestigious. Eldest children routinely have a strong desire to be successful.

Famous people who are eldest children are:
Brandy
George W. Bush
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Oprah Winfrey
Katherine Hepburn

Humm.. Sounds like me!


Birth Order Quiz

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