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.

Whether you’re making a move across town, to a new city, or to a whole new state, moving is difficult—especially for children. To make the transition as smooth and painless as possible, the key is planning. You not only need to plan how the entire move will go, but you will also need to plan how to address the move with your children. I’ve always felt open communication and involvement helps make the move easier on children. Here are a few...

Spring has sprung and everyone is itching to get outside and have some fun. If you have toddlers at home sometimes you have to be a little bit creative to ensure your children enjoy playing outside and exploring the outdoors. I’ve compiled a list of fun, toddler-friendly activities you can enjoy with your child this spring, summer and beyond! Create a Sand Pit:  Kids love to play in the sand, but not all of us are fortunate to live near a...

Celebrating your children’s birthdays is a wonderful experience, but many parents dread the kid-filled parties. If the thought of planning and executing your children’s birthday parties fills you with panic, it’s time to stop fearing the party! Most parents feel they need to plan a big, expensive party somewhere like an inflatables spot or worry what they’ll do to entertain the party goers in their own home. You can throw a simple,...

As parents, we all look forward to the day our baby starts crawling and then walking. It’s such an exciting time. But the minute your baby becomes mobile, it’s time to begin the process of baby proofing your home. Baby proofing your home is essential to keeping your baby safe. Be prepared to baby proof the nursery, bathroom, kitchen, stairs, fireplace, and any furniture that could harm your child. You can even hire a professional child...

Finding and keeping a great babysitter is at the top of most parent’s list. You want to find someone who is responsible, qualified, plays with your kids, and loves them like you do. And let’s be honest, this can be very hard to find. But never fear, there are really great caregivers out there but you need to take the time to find the best fit for your family and do your homework. Before you kick-off your search, decide what kind of care you...

It’s usually during the month of February when you start to feel those mid-winter blues; the kids start to go a little stir-crazy and you feel a case of cabin fever coming on fast. Well, I’m here to help you avoid the mid-winter blues and to embrace the remainder of winter – with your whole family. Take a Vacation: Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about an expensive last-minute trip to Mexico (unless you want to go)! A simple...

Your child hops off the school bus, you walk him inside, and he immediately races in front of the TV to play video games. It may be easier at times to let him enjoy his PlayStation so you can get other tasks done, but the monumental long-term benefits of reading to and with your child are critical. Reading with your children daily is a major way to build a strong connection with them, it also develops their creativity and intelligence. All...

Eating out with kids is a task that’s often easier said than done. Trust me, with seven kids of my own, I’ve dined-out with children more than the average Joe, and from those experiences I’ve learned what works – and what doesn’t. Here are my tricks and tips for a successful restaurant outing with kids. Quiet Distraction: Bring along a quiet distraction for children to enjoy if the restaurant doesn’t happen to provide crayons or a...

Some people consider Valentine’s Day a stressful holiday that forces romantic gestures. I’d rather look at it as an opportunity to celebrate the reason my wife and I got married in the first place. We may have busy schedules, the kids still need to be tucked into bed and we may not have a babysitter to head out on a dinner date, but we can always find a few minutes in the craziness of life to take time out for each other. And sometimes the...

There’s nothing better than smiling and laughing with the family, but it’s sometimes easier said than done. With seven kids of my own, I know it can be difficult to ensure everyone has fun everyday, so I’ve created a list of tips that’ll ensure families can have more fun together! Laugh and Sing: Families can have more fun together by laughing and singing.  When it starts to get out of hand in the kitchen or the car, I often start...

Is bathtime more of a struggle than anything at your house?  Does the first sign of a bath cause whining and tantrums? Then it’s time to put the “fun” back in bathtime and make it an enjoyable activity for both you and your child. Here are a few simple, tried and true ideas and I’m pretty sure your kids will love them! Get a Book: There are plenty of waterproof books that are bath time friendly. Books can help solidify a bath time...

In a world full of unknowns it’s important to have an emergency plan in place, so your family knows exactly what to do in the case of an emergency. It’s also extremely important to make sure your children understand what an emergency is, and how they should react in the event of one. I’ve compiled a list of ideas and reminders that will help you create an emergency plan in your home. Communicate: I’m a firm believer that parent-child...