By Kate Bachtel.
“Our continuing goal is to help gifted children and their families not only to obtain important knowledge, but also to understand and accept themselves and others in ways that value, nurture, and support them in families, schools, workplaces, and communities.”
~ Dr. James T. Webb, SENG Founder
SENG Model Parent Groups (SMPGs) unite parents of gifted children, who at times may feel alone in their journey, so they may learn from each other’s experiences in a nurturing, non-judgmental setting.
For those unfamiliar, SMPGs take place over the course of 8-10 weeks and discuss topics including motivation, stress management, peer relationships, and discipline. Unlike other parent groups, SMPGs have always been a co-created, dynamic experience responsive to the unique individuals within each group. Co-facilitators are not therapeutic clinicians or “sage on the stage” lecturers, but rather experts in parenting and gifted education skilled at engaging parents in rich, relevant discussions to increase their capacity to nurture their children, themselves, and each other.
The Difference a SENG Model Parent Group Can Make
SMPG participants share:
“I do not feel alone now.”
“I’ve learned to communicate better with my child, and it is working.”
“I honestly feel this group saved my family!”
“My child is a happier child, my family is a healthier family, and I’m a better person as a result of this group. Thank you!”
SENG’s Commitment to Quality
Given the inherent diversity and complexity within the gifted population, we need each other’s insights and ideas to best serve children. Just because a tool or strategy works for one gifted child, does not mean it will work for another. SENG’s community roots grew strong from this spirit of service and collaboration.
The SENG team is dedicated to insuring the highest possible quality SMPG experience for all, as well as fidelity to the proven, well-researched SMPG model. To this end, SENG invests in SMPG facilitators by providing formal training with certified SENG trainers. Facilitators must meet specific prerequisite requirements, lead all groups with support from a co-facilitator, be open to continued learning and collect evaluations to monitor quality at the end of each session. SENG evolves as the gifted individuals we serve evolve.
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Dr. Kate Bachtel is the founder of SoulSpark Learning, a Colorado based nonprofit dedicated to optimizing the development and well-being of youth and the educators who care for them. Prior to launching SoulSpark Learning, she co-led the opening of Mackintosh Academy's Boulder campus, a K-8 school for gifted learners. She holds a doctorate in education with an emphasis in gifted from University of Denver and a master's in education with an emphasis in equity and cultural diversity from University of Colorado at Boulder. She also serves as a director at Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) and was president for the 2016-17 term.