Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 6, offers his "5 cents" worth of advice to expectant and new parents. Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and daddy gear for dads, and the Daddyscrubs.com blog where he covers topics about parenting and the latest baby and kids gear, all from a Dad's perspective.

I know, I know; I always get that song stuck in my head, too (cue Alice Cooper now). And sometimes, at the beginning of summer, it can feel like there’s no end in sight. But trust me, not Alice Cooper, when I say school is not out forever. And I’ve compiled a list of ideas to help you and your child have a fun and constructive summer. Camps: Camp doesn’t have to be a weeklong overnight stay in the woods somewhere. There are plenty of...

The quintessential outdoor trip for every family is the camping trip. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a total newbie, you’re going to want to take a tip or two from me, as camping with kids can be complicated – but it’s definitely worth it! Be Kid Friendly: Plan ahead and research your destination prior to going. If you’re camping with a small child you likely don’t want to camp in a destination near cliffs, cactus or poison...

As a daddy to seven kids between the ages of 5 months and 27 years old, I’ve learned a thing or two – first hand – about sibling rivalry. And through that experience I’ve come to understand a few ways in which to help manage the seemingly inevitable rivalry. Here are my top five tips to help parents with sibling rivalry: Allow each child time to shine. The first rule can come into play in a variety of ways. First of all, figure...

Mother’s Day is just around the corner. It’s the time of year we can show mom just how much we love and appreciate her. I’ve put together some creative ways to show Mom just how much she is loved on her special day: Breakfast in Bed:  As kids get older, they love to make things for Mom.  Nothing is more special than making a memory!  Mother’s Day morning, surprise Mom in bed with her favorite breakfast foods. Bring up family...

We have all heard the saying:  “Anyone man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a daddy” Well, I’m here to tell you that it is absolutely true. The birth of a new baby is a wonderful opportunity in life and it should not be taken lightly.  The Art of Being Daddy is a skill that will be tested and improved upon for the rest of your life, so don’t think you will learn everything you need to know overnight. With that...

If you are nearing your wife’s due date you will absolutely want to be prepared and ready to go at a moment’s notice. There are certain items that all daddies need to bring to the hospital on delivery day. Keep in mind that Mother Nature does not always consider your plans. You should have a backpack ready to go, so you can get up and get moving - no matter when Baby decides to arrive. The bag you pack for the hospital will be your...

As you know every child is different, and with that being said some children might encounter sleepover anxiety. Don’t fret though. You can help them succeed and move beyond their anxiety to enjoy in this fun and exciting childhood ritual. With seven kids of my own I’ve learned some tricks over the years that have helped each of my children make it through the night away from home successfully. Talk to Them: I am a firm believer in the...

The end of the year can be one of the most difficult times for school aged children as they tend to lose motivation as summer and summer break near closer and closer. As parents, it’s our job (one of our jobs, anyways) to keep them motivated straight through to the end. So, I’ve compiled a list of tips that have helped my kids throughout the years, and I’m sure they will help yours, too! Plan Weekend Fun: To your kids, summer break...

With divorce rates so high, I think it’s important to remember how this huge change can impact families with children, as well as, how you as parents can put aside your differences to help your kids through it. Be Sensitive: No matter what the situation, you’ll need to be extra sensitive when breaking the news of divorce to your children. Speak calmly and remember you’re talking to a child whose life is about to be turned upside down...

Any parent who has raised a colicky baby knows just how difficult it can be to get through a night – let alone a month! With seven children of my own, I’ve come to experience a little bit of everything, and I have several tips to help new parents of colicky babies keep their sanity. Take Help from Others: First things first, what the book tells you will help with colic may or may not work for your baby. Ask around; post questions on the...

Are you a parent to two or three children? Every child that comes into your family will be blessed with a completely different environment based simply on the number of older siblings they are going to have.  The older siblings from 3 years to 23 years old want to help and share the love of the family that they have experienced with the new family baby. It gives them a sense of pride and security - and will remind them that they’re still just...

In life, we will all encounter people, co-workers, peers and superiors that we do not necessarily click with and those experiences can start at a young age.  The difficulty is that children often don't know how to handle a situation where they don't get along with someone in position of authority.  If your child is unwavering in his dislike of the teacher and the situation appears not to be resolving itself, I recommend the following...