by Gayle Swift | Mar 12, 2025 | Adoptee experience, Adoption constellation, Adoption realities, Relationships, Relationships shaped by adoption
Blinders and Rose-colored Glasses My colleagues recently interviewed guest April Dinwoodie, adopted person, former CEO of the Donaldson Adoption Institute, podcaster, and activist on our podcast, Adoption Matters. Real People. Real Life. Real Talk. They discussed...
by Gayle Swift | Jul 10, 2024 | Adoptee experience, Adoption Attuned Parenting, Adoption constellation, Adoption success, Adoptive parenting
This familiar phrase plays out on nearly every family journey. It always seems to take longer to get to a desired destination. Children nearly burst with a need to vocalize their barely restrained anticipation. Parents might be less vocal. Yet often, they too are...
by Gayle Swift | May 8, 2024 | Adoptee experience, Adoption constellation, Adoption products, Adoptive parenting
Adoption, Expectations, and Mothering Since 2011, this blog has shared thoughts and insights on many aspects of adoptive family life and relationships. Consequently, our expectations, thoughts, feelings, and understanding about adoption and mothering have evolved in...
by Gayle Swift | Feb 29, 2024 | Adoption Attunement, Adoption constellation, Adoptive parenting
Of course, talking about adoption matters. Adoption brings out big feelings for everyone involved. Finding the words and opportunity to discuss adoption with one another can often be challenging. While it can be tempting to avoid these conversations. Talking about...
by Gayle Swift | Feb 14, 2024 | Adoption Attunement, Adoption constellation, adoption from foster care, Adoption success, Adoptive parenting, recommended book
Family communication. When you read that, what came to mind? How do you feel about the communication patterns in your family? Good communication is something we all recognize that we need. Yet, most of us struggle to accomplish it. Talking about the good times usually...
by Gayle Swift | Feb 7, 2024 | Adoptee experience, Adoption Attunement, Adoption constellation, Adoptive parenting, Deep listening, Intentional conversations
Adoption. We’ve GOT to talk! Adoption is complicated and overflows with coexisting ambiguities. It both creates and fractures a family. Adopting parents gain a child. Birth parents lose a child. The adoptee loses his birth parents and family. He also gains adoptive...
