Robert Nickell, a.k.a. Daddy Nickell
A father of 6, Daddy Nickell offers his "5 cents" worth of advice to expectant and new parents and is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and daddy gear for new or expectant 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. His practiced advice has been heard on TV and radio shows around the country. He contributes to national talk shows and daytime television shows including "Good Morning L.A.," "Good Morning Texas," "Daytime TV," WZZM 13 and KSBI TV, and as a syndicated columnist for national newspapers, parenting magazines and websites including Baby Couture Magazine, Oh Baby! Magazine, City Parent Magazine and Homeschooling Parent.
Community Blogger for The Balancing Act
Give Thanks for Family
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- Published on Monday, 19 November 2012 14:49
- Written by Daddy Nickell
- Hits: 212
Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks and spending time with family. Sometimes it can be difficult to get your kids involved and excited about this meaningful day with food, family, football and fun, so take a bit of advice from me, Daddy Nickell, and get your kids gobbling like turkeys – or involved in the festivities nonetheless.
Teaching Kids to Be Thankful
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- Published on Tuesday, 13 November 2012 10:01
- Written by Daddy Nickell
- Hits: 227
With the month of November comes Thanksgiving, which reminds us all to be thankful for the wonderful things each of us has.
Dad of Ages
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- Published on Monday, 05 November 2012 11:50
- Written by Daddy Nickell
- Hits: 204
HOW TO STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR KIDS THROUGH THE YEARS
As a daddy to six children who range in age from 20 months to 26 years old, I have been through it all. And I know it can be difficult with the ever-changing stages of life, growth and maturity to stay connected to the kids you love so much. Here are a few easy tips to help you stay connected with your little ones—and your not-so-little ones!
Easy Dad-Made Halloween Costumes
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- Published on Tuesday, 30 October 2012 19:24
- Written by Daddy Nickell
- Hits: 213
If you’re running behind and your child still needs a Halloween costume – don’t fret; I’m here to tell you that it happens to all of us from time to time. Here are a few simple, completely Daddy-doable Halloween costumes that you can make at home with limited supplies.
Playtime With Toddler
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- Published on Monday, 22 October 2012 17:02
- Written by Daddy Nickell
- Hits: 182
There is absolutely nothing more fun and enjoyable than playing with your toddler. As a proud daddy to six kids between the ages of 19 months and 26 years old, I have so many fond memories of playing with my children as toddlers.
How to Soothe Your Crying Baby
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- Published on Monday, 01 October 2012 14:11
- Written by Daddy Nickell
- Hits: 217
We all know babies cry for many reasons. As a proud daddy to six kids between the ages 18 months and 26 years old, I’ve learned a great deal about soothing fussy babies over the years – most importantly that it takes a magic touch.
And, by magic touch, I mean a great balance of confidence, nature, and I hate to say, but just good old fashioned luck. I’ve put together a few helpful tips that have worked for me, and I hope will work for you too.
Meet the Basic Needs: Often times, babies will cry because one of their basic needs is not being met. I always check the basics first: Does Baby have a wet diaper? Is Baby hungry? Does Baby have a temperature? Once you rule out the basics, make sure the baby is swaddled snug and tight, and hold the baby with confidence, so they feel very secure; I hold my baby close to my neck and chest.
Remain Calm: Sometimes it’s hard to stay calm when your baby is crying in your arms and you don’t know why. If your anxiety levels go up, it’s not going to help calm and soothe your baby. Your baby will be able to see and feel your discomfort and possibly become more distraught and upset. Take a few deep breaths and remain calm.
Buy The Tools: I use the techniques given by Dr. Harvey Karp who is the founder behind The Happiest Baby books, classes and DVD. The various holds, sounds, and methods that he suggests will give you an edge on the unknown called "luck". I have utilized Dr. Karp’s techniques many times as they are tried and true – and bottom line, it works!
Whatever Works: As you know I have six children, and they’re all extremely different. Even as babies, each one responded to different techniques of soothing and calming. I have tried walking in circles, swaddling and reswaddling, putting them in the car for a drive, or the stroller for a walk, pacifiers, blankets, and talking in a soothing voice. However, the four "S's" as suggested by Dr. Karp are my first line options to soothe my baby, so like I said before – buy his book!
It can be overwhelming and concerning to listen to your baby cry, but sometimes it’s important to do just that. Babies cry differently depending on what they’re asking for or trying to convey, so try to pay attention to your baby’s cry and see if you can’t pick up on the subtle changes and clues. When in doubt, when soothing a fussy baby take a step back, be calm and be patient.
Happy soothing!
Sincerely,
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.
1 Long Car Rides
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- Published on Tuesday, 11 September 2012 19:03
- Written by Daddy Nickell
- Hits: 231
Long Car Rides? No Problem!
Long car rides with children can be a handful! Parenting expert Robert Nickell a.k.a. Daddy Nickell, founder of DaddyScrubs.com <http://DaddyScrubs.com/> and father of 6, offers his "5 cents" worth of advice to expectant and new parents. See his suggestions for parents to make car travel easier, and even fun!
Transitioning Your Growing Child From Crib to Bed
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- Published on Friday, 24 August 2012 20:25
- Written by Daddy Nickell
- Hits: 288
The big migration from the crib to the bed is a definite milestone for kids and parents alike. This transition can be difficult if handled poorly, so I’m here to help. I’ve put together a few tips, based on my years of experiences raising six kids, to help make your child’s transition run as smooth as possible.
Communicate: It’s very important to keep an open and two-way line of communication with your children at all stages. Be sure to tell your child what to expect, what’s going to change, while giving them an opportunity to share their feelings about the situation. Give your child time to reflect upon the changes before implementing them, so things will be a little less shocking or in some cases scary.
Make Preparations: Encourage your child to be involved in the process. Whether you’re buying an entirely new bed or picking out new sheets, let your child have a say in what they want – this involvement might stimulate excitement for the upcoming change and transition.
Stick to Routine: In my house, routines work wonders. For peace of mind and comfort, stick to your routine after the new bed is assembled as to alleviate any extra sense of chaos.
Safety First: Safety rails will need to be installed to prevent your child from falling off the new bed and injuring himself. And don’t forget to double-check all of the outlets behind the old crib to ensure they are covered to prevent any electrical hazards, etc.
Pick Up Something Special: Change can be hard; we all know this to be true. It doesn’t, however, have to be negative or scary. If necessary, purchase a special “big kid” toy or stuffed animal for your child to ease into this change, a little something special could mean more than you know to your growing child.
Whatever happens, remember to be patient with your child as you’re changing their comfort zone completely.
Sincerely,
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.
Preparing for the First Day of School
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- Published on Tuesday, 21 August 2012 15:27
- Written by Daddy Nickell
- Hits: 233
Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, preparing for the first day of school each year can be a tiresome routine. With six kids ranging in age from 16 months to 26 years old, I have experienced many first days of school. I’ve put together some tips to help ensure this school year begins smoothly and easily for everyone.
Parent Lessons: Career Time
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- Published on Friday, 10 August 2012 18:44
- Written by Daddy Nickell
- Hits: 268
As a proud daddy to six kids between the ages 12 months and 26 years, I’ve found one thing to be true – Daddyhood is great. Being a dad has affected and enhanced every part of my life – including my career.
Transitioning Your Baby to Solid Foods
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- Published on Friday, 27 July 2012 15:15
- Written by Daddy Nickell
- Hits: 379
Parents often become excited about the changes that come when their baby is ready to switch from breast milk to solid foods. After experiencing this with my six children, I’m here to offer some tips on how to make the transition smoothly.
The Time is Right: There are many ways to determine when the time is right to begin transitioning your baby to solid foods. He (or she) will give you multiple signs when he’s ready; some signs and signals include:
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