by GIFT Coach | Jul 16, 2014 | Blogs by Gayle Swift
Adoptees are not broken but they are profoundly influenced by their adoption. Shaped, not defeated, or doomed by it. Being adopted gives rise to unique needs that must be met so adoptees can grow a healthy, confident adult identity. This process requires an...
by GIFT Coach | Jul 15, 2014 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, Faith and Values, General Discussion, Strengthening Family Relationships
Umenta.com reported on recent research by Dr. Marshall Duke of Emory University indicates that children benefit from repetition of family stories. “Duke found that children who were exposed to family stories experience “higher levels of emotional well-being, and also...
by GIFT Coach | Jul 1, 2014 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion
Starting a difficult conversation can be challenging whether it is with a spouse, friend co-worker, stranger or family member. But holding adoption conversations with kids can be especially hard when the information being shared is painful or difficult to accept. To...
by GIFT Coach | Jun 25, 2014 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion
Adoption is, at its essence, about creating loving bonds built by intention instead of biology. Often we refer to ourselves as Forever Families. This phrase intends to reassure adoptees that they’ve landed in a safe harbor where they can expect and depend on a...
by GIFT Coach | Jun 4, 2014 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano
There is a quote from Allegiant by Veronica Roth that has intrigued me since I read it. It states that, “Since I was young, I have always known this: Life damages us, everyone. We can’t escape that damage. But now, I am also learning this: We can be...
by GIFT Coach | May 28, 2014 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion
As parents, we appreciate the structure that rules bring to families. Sound rules establish firm, clear boundaries. This creates a secure framework for kids. It also offers them something to push against. Kids are born explorers—courageous, persistent they strain to...
