by GIFT Coach | Oct 2, 2013 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, 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 | 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...
by GIFT Coach | Sep 11, 2013 | General Discussion
Although the old adage says, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” we all know the truth that contradicts this old saw. Some words cut to the core, flay the spirit, and destroy self-esteem. Once spoken and heard, such toxic...
by GIFT Coach | May 29, 2013 | Adoption Attuned Parenting, Fathering, General Discussion
In America, June is known as the month in which we celebrate Father’s Day. Families fire up the barbecue, gather around the TV set to watch dad’s favorite team and enjoy one another’s company. We look to Dad for his words of wisdom. A father is...
by GIFT Coach | May 8, 2013 | Adoptive family life, General Discussion
All parents want their home to be a loving place. While, discipline is often considered one of the most important roles of parents, GIFT asserts, however, that playfulness serves an essential role for families, one that underpins attachment and success as a family....
by GIFT Coach | Apr 3, 2013 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion
It takes heroic effort to remain calm during a verbal attack launched by an out of control child. The natural inclination is to feel offended by the ugly words hurled. Striving to love and care for their child, a parent may feel crushed to hear, “You’re a...
