by Gayle Swift | Jun 15, 2016 | Difficult Discussions, General Discussion, Strengthening Family Relationships
We all strive to get along well. But, conflict, breaches and breakdown inevitably touch every relationship. This is especially true within families, the home of our most intimate relationships. Here we are most deeply invested, most passionately committed, most...
by Gayle Swift | Apr 6, 2016 | Adoption Attuned Parenting, General Discussion
All families have differences. We are after all, not clones but individuals. Adoptive families are even more likely to have areas where preferences and inclinations don’t quite synchronize. Most of the time we can appreciate the zest and spice that our...
by Gayle Swift | Aug 3, 2015 | General Discussion, Power of Names
Identity formation in adoption is a complicated process and we have explored it from many angles recently. In last week’s G.I.F.T. blog post, eighteen-year-old adoptee Elias Ankerfelt shared some insights about his recent visit to the Philippines and the...
by Gayle Swift | Nov 19, 2014 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Building Connection
Adoptive parents rely on a well-stocked parenting tool box. Connecting with Kids Through Stories: Using Narratives to Facilitate Attachment in Adopted Children by Denise B. Lacher offers a novel technique based on sharing stories drawn from the actual experiences of a...
by Gayle Swift | Sep 16, 2014 | Blogs by Guests, Difficult Discussions, Foster Care Adoption, General Discussion, Infant Adoption, International Adoption, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
In this week’s blog, we continue last week’s exploration of Difficult Conversations in the context of adoption. GIFT–Growing Intentional Families Together–is pleased to include another important voice from the wider adoption community. Beth O’Malley...
