by GIFT Coach | Oct 9, 2013 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors
What are your goals as a parent and how do you know you’re progressing toward them? Have you and your partner identified a clear idea that is based on shared definitions? Or are you operating on assumptions that you both want the same results? Successful family...
by GIFT Coach | Oct 2, 2013 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors
On our weekly conference call with my GIFT partners, we talked about the influence our kids choices have on one another. Some of us notice that when one child shines the other frequently implodes—finds himself choosing behaviors that produce dramatic,...
by GIFT Coach | Sep 25, 2013 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships, The Adoption Triad
According to Steven Covey, “The most important ingredient we put into any relationship is not what we say or what we do, but what we are.” I would assert, that the pivot point which governs a parent/child relationship revolves around feelings—our own and our child’s....
by GIFT Coach | Sep 18, 2013 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
Last week we discussed the toxic effects of “Black Box” conversations: words that are so destructive that parents must commit to never speaking them. This week we want to focus on the conversations that others express within hearing distance of our children. Adopted...
by GIFT Coach | Sep 4, 2013 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion
Whether you come to parenthood through birth, step-parenting, adoption or fostering, the rewards are tremendous. Parenting is the toughest job you will ever love. Adoptive parenting includes a few extra twists and potholes to navigate, especially at this time of year....
by GIFT Coach | Aug 28, 2013 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
The beginning of the school year marks a definite change in routine. Even if your children have completed their studies, you’ll note the shift in your communities. Traffic explodes. Schedules stretch to their max and stress levels skyrocket for both adults and...
