MSI Press Blog

  Chaos in a family isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet—missed schedules, misunderstandings, emotions simmering just below the surface. Other times, it’s full-blown: tantrums, tech battles, homework meltdowns, or dinner that ends in declarations of "I hate broccoli!" And still, within all this noise lies an opportunity: not to control every moment, but to guide it toward harmony. 🎯 Harmony Doesn’t Mean Perfection Before we dive into strategies, let’s redefine harmony. It doesn’t mean silent agreement or conflict-free days. Harmony means alignment: A sense of rhythm that supports each person’s needs. Conflict that leads to connection. Calm tools that parents and kids can return to—together. 👪 Strategy 1: Build Predictable Routines Children thrive on structure. Whether it’s a morning checklist or a shared family calendar, routines reduce decision fatigue and create emotional safety. Use visual schedules for younger kids. Create weekly family “reset” times to di...

Temper tantrums. Whether you're navigating your toddler's grocery-store meltdown or managing a child whose frustration has hit peak volume during bedtime, tantrums can feel like the emotional equivalent of walking barefoot across Legos. It’s in these loud, chaotic, soul-draining moments that we parents are asked to summon something superhuman: calm. Franki Bagdade’s award-winning parenting guide,  I Love My Kids, But I Don’t Always Like Them , doesn’t offer a fairy tale version of parenting—it delivers real talk for real life. With a career in behavioral observation and a deeply personal understanding of parenting exhaustion, Franki meets parents where they are: frazzled, burned out, and wondering what on earth just happened. The book is refreshingly honest, peppered with humor, and built on hard-earned wisdom. Franki’s stories and strategies help parents stay grounded, even when their child’s emotions are spinning out like a top in a tornado. Her approach is not about perfecti...

  Creativity isn’t just about painting or playing music—it’s about thinking differently, solving problems, and expressing one’s inner world. Every child is born with creative potential, but whether that spark becomes a flame depends on the environment around them. When we nurture creativity—by encouraging curiosity, allowing mistakes, providing open-ended materials, and listening without judgment—we empower children to become confident, innovative thinkers. Creative children learn resilience, develop emotional intelligence, and discover that their voice matters. In a world increasingly driven by innovation, creativity is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Let’s move beyond rigid expectations and celebrate the unique ways each child learns, dreams, and creates. The results can be transformative—for them, and for us.  Franki Bagdade has great suggestions for how to do this in her award-winning book,  I Love My Kids, But I Don't Always Like Them . BOOK AWARDS IAN Book of the Ye...