by GIFT Coach | Aug 21, 2013 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, School & IEP Support, Strengthening Family Relationships
Some schools reopened this week and most students will be back at their desks by Labor Day. A new school year is full of excitement and anxiety for kids, parents, and teachers. At school children face pressure to behave, to fit in, to conform, and to achieve. This can...
by GIFT Coach | Jul 24, 2013 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, Infant Adoption, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
The press is abuzz with excitement over the arrival of the British royal baby. His parents’ obvious joy echoed throughout Great Britain and the world. After an extremely brief introduction, the proud parents bustled their son off to the privacy of their home to begin...
by GIFT Coach | Jun 27, 2013 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, Foster Care Adoption, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
Fathers* are often defined by their role as the provider, the source of things like food, shelter, and clothing. Consider reframing this concept to include things beyond basic necessities. While these needs are fundamental, there are other, more subtle requirements...
by GIFT Coach | Jun 19, 2013 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, Faith and Values, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
June is associated with celebrations: Fathers Day, graduations and weddings. We undertake each of these benchmark events with expansive visions of success. What does it take to move beyond wishing to achieve the fulfillment of our dreams? The obvious answer is...
by GIFT Coach | Jun 5, 2013 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, Faith and Values, General Discussion, Strengthening Family Relationships
Fatherly guidance can sometimes come across to our children as a subtle message of incapability or over-stepping on a child’s need to make things their own way and do projects themselves. Parental over-helping can reinforce the feelings of shame and incapability which...
by GIFT Coach | May 1, 2013 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
According to Webster’s Dictionary—both the print and on-line versions—a mother is defined as a woman who has borne a child. How does this cultural prejudice affect the way adoptive moms see themselves? As an adoptive parent have you ever questioned the legitimacy of...
