by GIFT Coach | Apr 22, 2015 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion
When we introduced the relationship pyramid and discussed how safety and security provide the foundation on which relationships depend. The more substantial the experience of feeling safe and secure, the stronger the relationship will be and the easier the transition...
by GIFT Coach | Apr 8, 2015 | Adoption Attuned Parenting, Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion
Winter still holds much of the country in its chilly grip. Easter/Passover have come and gone. Spring is on the horizon. Crocuses burst through the snow displaying a welcome burst of color and beauty. This climactic swirl serves as a metaphor for adoptive families who...
by GIFT Coach | Feb 25, 2015 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Difficult Discussions, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors
In our recent blog post we discussed The 5 Love Languages of Children, by Chapman & Campbell and learned the benefits of using a child’s primary Love Language because it can provide a direct way to connect with them. The 5 Love Languages of Children asserts...
by GIFT Coach | Jan 14, 2015 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
Last week we discussed laughter as a way to practice joy as a family and to relieve stress. We are continuing our exploration today because we believe that sharing fun is essential for knitting families together. Consider the illustration on the left. I’m...
by GIFT Coach | Oct 22, 2014 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion
Let’s stipulate that a healthy parent-child relationship grows in the nurturing cocoon of love. In adoptive families love is present, pervasive, intentional and committed. Unfortunately, love is not “enough” to firmly heal a child’s losses in...
by GIFT Coach | Oct 7, 2014 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Faith and Values, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors
At one time, “bully for you” was a celebratory expression. Today the word bully occupies a lot of attention and exclusively conjures up a world of hurt, rejection and fear. Families, schools, and churches, all struggle to handle this detrimental behavior....
