by GIFT Coach | Nov 8, 2013 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Faith and Values, Infant Adoption, Strengthening Family Relationships
In honor of National Adoption Month, we are sharing the insights of adoptees. We invited them to share any thoughts which might assist families currently raising their children. Our first guest blogger is Parker Swift, pictured at left at 22 months. He is now 28. I...
by GIFT Coach | Oct 23, 2013 | Birth parent relationships, General Discussion, Strengthening Family Relationships
As adoptive parents observe a warm relationship between their child and his birth parents, complicated emotions may arise. Along with joy, a subtle uneasiness, envy, or sense of competition may occur. Birth parents too, may experience similarly conflicted feelings....
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 Gayle Swift | Sep 18, 2013 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Language, Strengthening Family Relationships
Last week we discussed the toxic effects of “Black Box” conversations: words that are so destructive that parents must commit to never speaking them. This week we want to focus on the conversations that others express within hearing distance of our...
by GIFT Coach | Aug 28, 2013 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Strengthening Family Relationships
The beginning of the school year marks a definite change in routine. Even if your children have completed their studies, you’ll note the shift in your communities. Traffic explodes. Schedules stretch to their max and stress levels skyrocket for both adults and...
by GIFT Coach | Aug 21, 2013 | Adoption Attuned Parenting, Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, 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...
