by GIFT Coach | Sep 7, 2016 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion
Labor day sits in our rear view mirror. Now our thoughts focus on a new school year. As our children’s education shapes the family schedule we are mindful of the need to also teach our children how to navigate what it means to be adopted. We understand that...
by GIFT Coach | Aug 15, 2016 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, Family dynamics, General Discussion, Intentional Parenting
As a first-time grandmother, I watch my year-old grandson with fascination and amazement. Like all babies, fierce determination drives him to learn. He takes trial and error in stride and innately understands that failure is the cost of mastery. I watch him and...
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...
by GIFT Coach | Aug 3, 2016 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Empathy, Faith and Values, General Discussion, Intentional Parenting, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
Americans value success. We believe our land of opportunity rewards hard work and determination. Last week we discussed Dr. Michele Borba’s excellent book, Unselfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World. Dr. Borba asked us to consider that we...
by GIFT Coach | Jul 20, 2016 | Adoption-attunement, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Faith and Values, General Discussion
As coaches committed to Intentional Parenting, we strive to support parents’ efforts to successfully fulfill their Purpose for becoming a family and to identify the Values that define them. Adoption is a complicated process which usually involves much...
by GIFT Coach | Jul 13, 2016 | Adoption-attunement, Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion, Strengthening Family Relationships
Our recent posts focused on communication, deep listening, and respect. These are foundational values for Intentional Families. In this blog, we also frequently discuss the intrinsic connection adopted families have to Diversity. Our families are rooted in difference....
