by Gayle Swift | May 3, 2017 | Adoption-attunement, Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, General Discussion
GIFT coaches Susan David and Joann Distefano host a podcast called “Essentials for Adoption-attuned Parenting* If you haven’t tuned in, you are missing out on valuable tips, strategies and insights for navigating your family’s adoption journey. Susan and Joann...
by Gayle Swift | Mar 8, 2017 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion
For adoptive parents, the arrival of their children is a miracle beyond conception and an event which they love to celebrate. In a recent letter, Dear Abby extolled the virtues of “Gotcha Day” as a wonderful way to celebrate an important and life transforming event....
by GIFT Coach | Jan 11, 2017 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion
January traditionally motivates us to review the recently ended year and to set our intentions for the new year. As adoptive parents this practice takes on extra significance. Parenting is challenging. Adoptive parenting has additional complexity and responsibilities...
by GIFT Coach | Nov 16, 2016 | Adoption-attunement, Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion
Today, as part of our observance of National Adoption Month, Growing Intentional Families Together (GIFT) debuts our newest resource for adoptive families: a weekly 15 minute podcast– Essentials for Adoption-attuned Parenting*. Listen to learn practical tips for...
by GIFT Coach | Oct 19, 2016 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Difficult Discussions, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors
How do cultural misperceptions and adoption stereotypes affect our children, ourselves as parents, and our family dynamics? When movies or books paint adoptees as a “bad seed” or unwanted inconvenience, how does it impact us emotionally and shape our...
by GIFT Coach | Aug 10, 2016 | Adoption-attunement, Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Family dynamics, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, RAD Reactive Attachment Syndrom
Family building via adoption requires effort, commitment, education, intentionality and a willingness to take a risk–by both parent and child. Each must muster the courage to open emotionally and be vulnerable to the other. When we dare to love, we also...