MSI Press Blog

  Today's shared blog post comes from Franki Bagdade, author of the award-winning book,  I Love My Kids, But I Don't Always Like Them . In her post, Franki says to avoid analysis paralysis by just doing a thing. Read more in FAAB Blog . For more posts by and about Franki, click  HERE . Book Description: Selected as Independent Authors' Network Book of the Year as the Outstanding Parenting Book and winner of the Literary Titan Gold Award, I Love My Kids, But I Don't Always Like Them, is the ultimate survival guide for parents living through one of the strangest times in history. This " how to guide" will support you even if you are exhausted and burnt out in improving your child(ren)'s behavior. Written by an expert with 20 years of experience in behavioral observation in the classroom, in overnight camp, and more. Franki's storyteller cadence helps the book to read as if it's a casual conversation and pep talk between two parents over coffee. Frank...

  Parenting is never a one-size-fits-all endeavor. But when your child’s brain dances to a rhythm the world doesn’t always hear—whether through autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, or other neurodivergent traits—the parenting manual gets rewritten in real time. 🌱 From Diagnosis to Discovery For many families, the journey begins with a label. But neurodivergence isn’t a diagnosis to be “fixed”—it’s a lens through which your child experiences the world. The real work begins not with intervention, but with understanding. Listen beyond behavior : Meltdowns, hyperfocus, or social withdrawal often speak volumes about sensory overload, emotional regulation, or unmet needs. Reframe expectations : Milestones may look different, but progress is no less profound. Celebrate strengths : Neurodivergent children often possess extraordinary creativity, empathy, or analytical insight—gifts that flourish when nurtured. 🛠 Tools That Empower, Not Conform Traditional parenting advice...

  Long before sensory processing became a widely understood concept, pediatrician T. Berry Brazelton was attuned to its signals. I remember him noting, as early as my son’s infancy, that his reactions to sound, touch, and movement were intense and layered. Brazelton’s insight wasn’t just clinical—it became a lifeline. My son is now 45, and while sensory overload hasn’t disappeared, we’ve spent decades learning how to navigate it with compassion and precision. One of the earliest lessons? Reduce the variety of sensory input occurring simultaneously. A child might tolerate loud music, flashing lights, or unfamiliar textures individually—but together, they form a storm. Sensory sensitivities aren’t just about discomfort. They’re about threshold—the point at which a child goes from grounded to overwhelmed. Recognizing that threshold is key. 🛠️ Strategies to Ease Sensory Overload Here are some tools and adjustments that have helped, and may support others walking a similar path...