by GIFT Coach | Mar 28, 2013 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, Difficult Discussions, Faith and Values, Strengthening Family Relationships
During this past month we’ve explored the way walls function in our lives to protect and defend us. It is important for us to know when to open these defenses and especially vital to teach our children these same skills. When we are in a moment of confrontation, we...
by Sally A | Mar 20, 2013 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
The unsettling behaviors of our traumatized children can trigger our own traumas and beliefs. We unconsciously activate our defense systems and shelter behind our walls. This may cause us to second guess our ability to parent. Perhaps, we may even respond with...
by Sally A | Feb 27, 2013 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion, Strengthening Family Relationships
We close our February blogs with a final look at the insights shared by Christina White in her very personal discussion of her experiences as an abused child. “I’m still trying to heal from a feeling of not being loved as a child. It hurts me even now as I type these...
by Sally A | Feb 13, 2013 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion, Strengthening Family Relationships
This week we continue to discuss the story of our guest blogger, child abuse survivor, Christina White. Following her lead, we restrain our pity. Instead we celebrate her survival and recognize the strengths and choices that carried her through. As she learned to...
by GIFT Coach | Jul 20, 2012 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Susan David, Foster Parenting, General Discussion, Strengthening Family Relationships
Ever been at a car wash for one cause or another with a group of teens? Soapy water, suds, and slippery pavement combined with energetic, spontaneous and very excited teens, and then add every so often a moving vehicle rolling into that picture! YIKES! What I noticed,...
by GIFT Coach | Jul 12, 2012 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
When I went to the dictionary to look up the word addict, the definition that most resonated with me was from the Franklin Language Master. It defined addict as “one who devotes or surrenders oneself to something habitual or excessive”. From this definition, one might...
