by GIFT Coach | Dec 2, 2014 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Faith and Values, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships, The Adoption Process
We constantly look for ways to help families connect and create positive relationships and moments of togetherness that build healthy bonding in a family. A Facebook video posted by the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University struck us as a wonderful blog...
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 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 Gayle Swift | Sep 9, 2014 | Difficult Discussions, Faith and Values, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
Last week our blog focused on living the reality of unconditional love under extremely challenging circumstances. This week we will look at some challenges to telling the entire truth of “their story” to our children. Some children come to adoption because...
by GIFT Coach | Aug 27, 2014 | Difficult Discussions, Faith and Values, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Sexual abuse, Strengthening Family Relationships
How many times have you said, “Through adoption I’ve learned to love unconditionally”? Have you ever doubted that belief? Has it ever been rocked to the core by challenging circumstances or by the vehement disapproval of your child by a neighbor,...
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...