When using MDI forms you can't set StartUpPosition property to CenterScreen
like you can with non MDI forms. So I try and set it manually.

 frmNewDatabase.Visible = False
 frmNewDatabase.Left = (MDIMain.ScaleWidth - frmNewDatabase.Width) / 2
 frmNewDatabase.Top = (MDIMain.ScaleHeight - frmNewDatabase.Height) / 2
 frmNewDatabase.Visible = True

that centers it. but as soon as I modify the Left property it automatically
shows the form even if its visible property is set to false. How can I center
it without have a jumping effect. (It shows the form on the left, and then
jumps to the center) all my MDI children are doing this. I just wish my
children would behave. =)

Any ideas?

Use the Move method on the form.  This way, you can set all of the
properties at one - at least this way the form will show up correctly.

HTH,

Jason