by GIFT Coach | Apr 15, 2015 | Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion
What It Means to Belong About two weeks ago, Lynn Cooper–one of my partners at GIFT–and I (Joann DiStefano) attended and presented at the AAC (American Adoption Congress) conference. One of the prominent speakers at the conference, Bennett Greenspan,...
by GIFT Coach | Feb 25, 2015 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, Difficult Discussions, Faith and Values, 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 provides a direct way to connect with them. The 5 Love Languages of Children asserts that once...
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 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 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...
by GIFT Coach | Aug 27, 2014 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, Difficult Discussions, Faith and Values, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
How many times have you said, “Through adoption I’ve learned to love unconditionally”? Have you ever doubted that belief? Has it ever been rocked to the core by challenging circumstances or by the vehement disapproval of your child by a neighbor, teacher or family...
