by GIFT Coach | Jun 12, 2011 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Sally Ankerfelt, Difficult Discussions, Faith and Values, Foster Parenting, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
It’s been more than 13 years ago now since I attended a seminar on adoption as my husband and I were anxiously awaiting news that we could go and receive our son who was waiting for us – along with the clearance papers – in the Philippines. I wish I could...
by GIFT Coach | Jun 5, 2011 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Foster Parenting, General Discussion, International Adoption, Strengthening Family Relationships
I have just returned from a family trip to Machu Picchu, Peru – high in the peaks of the Andes Mountains. What connection does this have with adoption? Within minutes of our arrival, we were invited to share some wedding cake by a lovely Peruvian-American bride...
by GIFT Coach | May 15, 2011 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, Difficult Discussions, Foster Parenting, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors
As a parent, and especially one who has adopted two children, I have come to believe that boundaries and manipulation are two sides of the same coin. It had been my belief that boundaries are the wall that we put up in order to feel safe within ourselves. Without that...
by Gayle Swift | May 14, 2011 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Susan David, Foster Parenting, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
Hello friends! This time of year is busy! Having just celebrated Mothers’ Day, our family is looking forward to our second son’s high school graduation. I know for me I have been thinking that my son is nearly the same age as his birth-mother when she had him. Yes,...
by Gayle Swift | Apr 27, 2011 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Lynn Cooper, Difficult Discussions, Foster Parenting, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
I know I am. My husband once told me I plan too much. I didn’t understand the concept, one can not plan too much. The message he was sending me was that I was too attached to my plans. If things didn’t work out the way I wanted or expected them to, I was...
by Gayle Swift | Apr 11, 2011 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Foster Parenting, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
I was listening to an audio recently on the topic of children & praise. As a parent I enjoy encouraging my children, noticing and commenting on their efforts. The unique point made in this discussion was this: praise the effort not the product. At first, this...
