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 Gayle Swift | Jun 15, 2016 | Adoption-attunement, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, Difficult Discussions, General Discussion, Strengthening Family Relationships
We all strive to get along well. But, conflict, breaches and breakdown inevitably touch every relationship. This is especially true within families, the home of our most intimate relationships. Here we are most deeply invested, most passionately committed, most...
by GIFT Coach | Jan 13, 2016 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion
Most of us are familiar with the classic childhood song, “The Wheels on the Bus.” My kids delighted in singing the lyrics and acting out the accompanying gestures –swishing wipers, rolling wheels, children bumping up and down, etc., . As an adoptive...
by GIFT Coach | Dec 3, 2015 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion, Strengthening Family Relationships, The Adoption Triad
Last week we explored one tenet of our philosophy of adoption. (The entire twenty-five point manifesto is posted on our website home page.) This week we turn to point four: 4. Support systems are vital in assisting families with the realities of living as an adopted...
by GIFT Coach | Aug 12, 2015 | Blogs by Guests, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion
Parenting can be very rewarding; it can also bring us to our knees, leaving us overwhelmed, frightened and desperate. Kids with tough starts, trauma histories and strong wills can prove difficult to manage. What parent has not had the frustrating experience of...
by GIFT Coach | Jun 10, 2015 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano
I recently read Adoptee Survival Guide by Lynn Grubb. This collection opens a window into the actual experiences of adoptees who are now adults. Each shares their personal truth and offers insight into how we can support adoptees as their parents, partners and peers....
