by GIFT Coach | Apr 29, 2015 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion
In last week’s blog we explored the Mirroring and Belonging level of the Relationship Pyramid and discussed how important it is for a child to learn an extensive Emotional Vocabulary. Having the ability to name and recognize various emotions in oneself allows a child...
by GIFT Coach | Apr 8, 2015 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion
Winter still holds much of the country in its chilly grip. Easter/Passover have come and gone. Spring is on the horizon. Crocuses burst through the snow displaying a welcome burst of color and beauty. This climactic swirl serves as a metaphor for adoptive families who...
by GIFT Coach | Mar 4, 2015 | Blogs by Guests, Difficult Discussions, Faith and Values, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
Years ago, before I had ever heard the word “attunement” associated with adoptive parenting, a therapist told me, “Your son is telling you what he can handle by his behavior.” More than anything else, those words have impacted our family for the better. I have learned...
by GIFT Coach | Feb 25, 2015 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, Difficult Discussions, Faith and Values, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors
In our recent blog post we discussed The 5 Love Languages of Children, by Chapman & Campbell and learned the benefits of using a child’s primary Love Language because it provides a direct way to connect with them. The 5 Love Languages of Children asserts that once...
by GIFT Coach | Feb 17, 2015 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion
In our previous blog, we discussed the value of Love Languages and how this strategy can design more effective communication. Learning to “speak” in a channel other than our own preferred default style requires Intentionality. As is evident from our name,...