by GIFT Coach | Oct 7, 2014 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Faith and Values, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors
At one time, “bully for you” was a celebratory expression. Today the word bully occupies a lot of attention and exclusively conjures up a world of hurt, rejection and fear. Families, schools, and churches, all struggle to handle this detrimental behavior....
by GIFT Coach | Oct 1, 2014 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Guests, General Discussion, Open Adoption
In this week’s blog, GIFT is pleased to feature a guest blogger. Jody Cantrell Dyer, author of Eye of Adoption, Parents, Stop and Think and Field Day. Jody is a mom by both birth and open adoption, and a teacher; she blogs at Theories Size 12. Jody writes...
by Gayle Swift | Sep 16, 2014 | Blogs by Guests, Difficult Discussions, Foster Care Adoption, General Discussion, Infant Adoption, International Adoption, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
In this week’s blog, we continue last week’s exploration of Difficult Conversations in the context of adoption. GIFT–Growing Intentional Families Together–is pleased to include another important voice from the wider adoption community. Beth O’Malley...
by GIFT Coach | Aug 19, 2014 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, School & IEP Support, Strengthening Family Relationships
Over the next few weeks, schools around the country reopen. The air pulses with excitement. The lassitude of summer gives way to the frantic busy-ness of school. New supplies, new teachers, new classes all bring the anticipation of a fresh start. But school also...
by GIFT Coach | Jul 1, 2014 | General Discussion
Starting a difficult conversation can be challenging whether it is with a spouse, friend co-worker, stranger or family member. But holding adoption conversations with kids can be especially hard when the information being shared is painful or difficult to accept. To...
by GIFT Coach | Apr 3, 2014 | General Discussion, Relationships in adoption
April Fool’s Day. Practical jokes marked the day and made us think of the importance of laughter. This is especially important for families whose kids had tough starts and who wrestle to manage their behaviors. Too often parents fall into ruts of endless...
