GIFT coaches Susan David and Joann Distefano host a podcast called “Essentials for Adoption-attuned Parenting* If you haven’t tuned in, you are missing out on valuable tips, strategies and insights for navigating your family’s adoption journey. Susan and Joann examine issues from a coaching angle. This means that they help you determine how to handle what is on your plate by identifying leverage points for action, change, strengthening attachment or, muscling through a difficult situation. (Like all of the GIFT coaches, they are both adoptive parents and certified coaches. They support families with judgment-free neutrality that understands the unique challenges and needs of adoptive families.)
While their particular experiences may differ from yours, they arise from actual adoptive family life. Real families. Real life.They understand what you are facing because they too, have confronted similar challenges. Their parenting began over twenty-five years ago so they have seen prevailing thought, social norms and professional advice evolve over the past quarter century. They know what helped–or hindered–the functioning of their families. They believe their stories can help other adoptive families.
Their current series focuses on questions adoptive parents should ask “before, during and after adoption” and on the differences between adoptive parenting and parenting biological children. Some of these differences and needs are quite distinct and significant. Understanding these differences and learning how to handle them will benefit adoptive families.
Their discussions are rooted in the GIFT Adoption Philosophy and coaching presuppositions and the knowledge that Intentional Parenting, and a commitment to Adoption-attunement* will help ensure success for adoptive families. Joann and Susan emphasize one vital point: talk about these issues, concerns and choices. Make you decisions intentionally. Base them on accurate information, soul-searching and a commitment to the life-time success of your adoptive family. Step beyond the emotions that flood your heart and fuel your desire to adopt. Build a healthy foundation based on what is best for your child. The entire family will benefit. For a lifetime.
Subscribe to the podcast. Listen at your convenience. Amplify your Adoption-attunement* and prepare for your life to bloom and grow.
Some important distinctions to discuss with your partner and your professional team:
| Adoptive Parenting | Biological Parenting |
| Privacy | Shame |
| Boundary Setting | Open Book |
| Open Adoption | Closed Adoption |
| Agreement | Compliance |
Some important resources
Organizations:
NACAC (North American Council for Adoptable Children)
(GIFT coaches Sally Ankerfelt and Gayle Swift will be presenting a workshop at the NACAC Conference which will be in Atlanta, Georgia, from July 20–22, 2017. )
Donaldson Adoption Institute “is an independent and objective adoption research and policy organization that addressed the needs of all those touched by adoption – first/birth parents, adoptees and adoptive parents.” They offer an on-line open adoption curriculum.
DTFA “is a nonprofit organization that helps find adoptive homes for children in foster care across the U.S. and Canada … North America’s only national nonprofit charity dedicated solely to finding permanent homes for the more than 130,000 children in foster care.”
Books 
GIFT’s resources pages include reviews of many wonderful books.
Check out the list to find valuable titles.
Two books that are essential for every family contemplating adoption are:
For children we recommend
(Again, our resource pages includes a more comprehensive list)
