by GIFT Coach | Oct 17, 2013 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors
Before your child joined your family and you and your child’s birth parents chose Open Adoption, it probably seemed fairly simple. You developed a plan that suited your child and both sets of parents. The reality of Open Adoptions, however, often becomes more...
by GIFT Coach | Oct 2, 2013 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors
On our weekly conference call with my GIFT partners, we talked about the influence our kids choices have on one another. Some of us notice that when one child shines the other frequently implodes—finds himself choosing behaviors that produce dramatic,...
by GIFT Coach | Sep 18, 2013 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
Last week we discussed the toxic effects of “Black Box” conversations: words that are so destructive that parents must commit to never speaking them. This week we want to focus on the conversations that others express within hearing distance of our children. Adopted...
by GIFT Coach | Sep 4, 2013 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion
Whether you come to parenthood through birth, step-parenting, adoption or fostering, the rewards are tremendous. Parenting is the toughest job you will ever love. Adoptive parenting includes a few extra twists and potholes to navigate, especially at this time of year....
by GIFT Coach | Aug 28, 2013 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
The beginning of the school year marks a definite change in routine. Even if your children have completed their studies, you’ll note the shift in your communities. Traffic explodes. Schedules stretch to their max and stress levels skyrocket for both adults and...
by GIFT Coach | Aug 21, 2013 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, School & IEP Support, Strengthening Family Relationships
Some schools reopened this week and most students will be back at their desks by Labor Day. A new school year is full of excitement and anxiety for kids, parents, and teachers. At school children face pressure to behave, to fit in, to conform, and to achieve. This can...
