by GIFT Coach | Feb 17, 2015 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion
In our previous blog, we discussed the value of Love Languages and how this strategy can design more effective communication. Learning to “speak” in a channel other than our own preferred default style requires Intentionality. As is evident from our name,...
by GIFT Coach | Feb 11, 2015 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
When we love deeply, we express it in many ways–a thoughtful gesture, a loving touch, a heartfelt note or simply altering our schedule to ensure time spent together. Yet all too often, these expressions go unacknowledged. Even worse, they can occur without ever...
by GIFT Coach | Jan 28, 2015 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Foster Care Adoption, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
Adoptive parenting brings complexities that can challenge and defeat the best of us. For families whose children had difficult starts and who must cope with the fallout of trauma, the course is even more arduous. Both parent and child benefit from thoughtful and...
by GIFT Coach | Jan 21, 2015 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano
During the previous two weeks, we have explored some techniques for creating connection, injecting playfulness in family life, using meditation and laughter. Sometimes intentional control of one’s body postures and/or laughter meditation will not reset mood. What can...
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 | Jan 7, 2015 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion
January is named after the god, Janus. Because he possessed two faces, he had the unique ability to simultaneously look both forward and backward. Thus, he was able to maintain a perspective on the past as well as on the future. He is an apt metaphor for our children...
