This Q&A; with three SENG Model Parenting Group facilitators explains why parents join SMPGs, how meetings run, and differences for twice-exceptional children. Facilitators describe session topics, group dynamics, and observed changes: parents gain understanding, peer support, practical strategies, self-reflection, and often ongoing connections.
Shari Hill describes SENG-Model Parent Groups (SMPG) as ten-week sessions offering social-emotional support for parents of gifted children. Facilitators guide weekly discussions on topics like communication, intensity, motivation and relationships. Participants build lasting connections, gain insight into their own giftedness, and many groups continue meeting afterward.
The SENG Board reflects on perfectionism and impatience among gifted adults, noting desires to do everything quickly and perfectly. They balance advocacy and realistic expectations, emphasizing steady work, maintaining organizational integrity, and welcoming a new executive director while continuing outreach, training, and support for gifted families.
Shari Hill shares practical parenting lessons for raising gifted children: listen rather than lecture, value learning over perfect grades, allow failures as growth, recognize diverse paths to success, prioritize meaningful time together, and seek support from other parents who understand. The love and rewards are priceless.
