by GIFT Coach | Feb 2, 2017 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Difficult Discussions, Faith and Values, General Discussion
Americans have a cultural belief: Money Talks. What is yours saying? How strong is the connection between our spending and our values? After tracking your spending for a week–or more–what useful information emerged? Dissect the information with a Learning...
by GIFT Coach | Jan 25, 2017 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion
Two weeks ago we asked, “Will 2017 be smooth sailing for your family or will the seas be rough and choppy?” We posed this open-ended question to highlight the importance of distinguishing between what we intend to do, what we believe we are doing and, what...
by GIFT Coach | Jan 18, 2017 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion
Because we are committed to Intentional Parenting, last week we invited readers to consider a time-tracking practice to help identify the way we actually spend out time. We also revisited our Family Values to remind ourselves of their role in identifying priorities....
by GIFT Coach | Jan 11, 2017 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion, Values
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 | Dec 6, 2016 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, faith, General Discussion
Christmas observances have taken center stage and much of the world celebrates the birth of baby Jesus. The religious significance of the Nativity coexists with the universal emotion of joy surrounding the miracle of birth. Except … Except in the case of...
by GIFT Coach | Nov 30, 2016 | Adoption Attuned Parenting, Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion
Conventional wisdom says hindsight is twenty/twenty. With Thanksgiving now in our rear view mirrors, what lessons can we bring forth throughout the holiday season? Intentional Parents can choose to sustain a gratitude perspective amidst the onslaught of holiday noise...
