As a parent I know that for every bit of fun and enjoyment to be had with children around, there’s always the possibility of consequences and necessary discipline, too. It’s the parent’s responsibility to teach their children right from wrong, as well, as how to behave, how to treat others, etc. – I know, it’s a BIG job! With seven kids of my own ranging in age from 8 months to 27 years old, I’ve learned a thing or two about being creative when it comes to consequences and discipline.

Motivate Positively: First things first, you can try to steer your children in the right direction to avoid some unnecessary (and not-so-fun) consequences and disciplinary actions simply by motivating them positively with some sort of reward system. Sticker charts are great as are coin jars and other similar items. With this idea you’ll be able to discuss behaviors and expectations early-on, and your child will know exactly what they’ll need to do in order to earn a sticker or have a nickel deposited in their coin jar. Your children will behave while working towards a reward and at the same time learning how to be a kind and contributing member of the family.

Consequence Jar: Just as your children will be able to have a nickel added to their coin jar or a sticker to their sticker chart for behaving well, they might also have to draw a Popsicle stick from the consequence jar when they misbehave. Some ideas for this jar include: early bedtime, no television for a night, an extra chore, a timeout, etc. A substitute to the consequence jar is a consequence spinner (you can even purchase them online) wherein your child spins a wheel in order to determine their consequence instead of drawing a Popsicle stick from a jar. With this method, your child is essentially choosing his or her own consequence and you’ll be around for the follow through.

Let Them Decide: By bringing your child into the conversation and letting them help determine their consequence they’ll be able to fully contemplate the severity of their actions as well as brainstorm what kinds of consequences would be equivalent to those poor or negative actions and behaviors. Writing up a behavior contract, and having your child sign it once you decide upon a consequence you both find suitable is also a great activity and possibly a bit of a consequence in itself. After your child sits and thinks about what they did wrong, determines what their consequence will be and then writes the whole thing out to sign they’ll likely have a whole new outlook and certainly won’t be confused about what they did wrong in the first place.

Teaching your children how they’re expected to behave on a day-to-day basis is difficult, and chances are you’ll have to discipline your children for their actions a time or two before they figure things out.

Good luck and happy parenting!

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

Parenting Expert and father of 7, Robert Nickell (aka Daddy Nickell) offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddy & Co., delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel for every stage of fatherhood, and the Daily Daddy Blog.  He is also the creator and producer of “My Life as a Dad,” the groundbreaking new web series that showcases celebrity fathers offering their personal experiences and parenting tips.

The post Disciplining: Thinking Outside the Box appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

To The World’s Most Incredible Mom!

From the day I met you, you have never ceased to amaze me. You’re not only beautiful on the outside, you’re unbelievably beautiful on the inside, too. You’ve gone from a wonderful, loving wife to an amazing, remarkable mother—for this I love you even more than the day we got married. Your dedication and love to our family means the world to me. I could not have asked for a more suitable partner in life, mother to our children and stepchildren. 

Even before we became parents, I knew you would be an amazing mother. Have I ever told you how much I appreciate all the sacrifices you’ve made for our family?  I’m sure I do not tell you enough. I know it must feel like your hard work goes unnoticed, but it doesn’t—all the doctor’s appointments, planning of birthday parties, endless loads of laundry, organizing playdates, carpools, and so much more; always putting all the pieces of the puzzle of our life together.  I see how you give to our family endlessly and tirelessly.  No words could express my gratitude for all the love, kindness, courage and patience you’ve shown us over the years.  Your selflessness and beauty remain undiminished. I wouldn’t want anyone else in the world as the mother of my children. You’re perfect and I’m so blessed we get to share the best moments in life together.
 
On this Mother’s Day, I want to make sure you know that you are the heartbeat of this family, the glue that connects us all.  Because of you, and who you are as a person, everything is just better in our life.  Over and over again, I would always choose you to travel this very special journey of parenthood.
 
Happy Mother’s Day!
 
Daddy Nickell

Parenting Expert and father of 7, Robert Nickell (aka Daddy Nickell) offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddy & Co., delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel for every stage of fatherhood, and the Daily Daddy Blog.  He is also the creator and producer of “My Life as a Dad,” the groundbreaking new web series that showcases celebrity fathers offering their personal experiences and parenting tips.

The post AN OPEN LETTER TO THE MOST AMAZING MOM ON MOTHER’S DAY appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

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.  As National Reading Day approaches on March 3rd, we are reminded about the value of reading in developing your child’s creativity and intelligence.  At the same time, reading with your children daily is a major way to build a strong connection with them. All parents can benefit from learning about why reading is integral for a child. Here is why replacing his remote control with a book can truly change your child’s life.

Understanding of language. Research has shown that the most important thing a parent can do to help their child learn and understand language is to read to them. Have them repeat certain words and phrases back as you read aloud. It helps them gain a stronger grasp of pronunciation, rhythm of speech, and builds self-confidence in their speaking voice.

Good quality one-on-one time with your child. When you read to or with your child, you are in close proximity building a bond and strengthening the friendship and love between the two of you. You touch your child more, give your child more affection, share more nonverbal communication, and you are creating memories that will stay with them into adulthood.

It opens the lines of communication. Whether it simply starts a conversation with a child that is difficult to relate to, or it allows you to tackle some of the tougher topics involved in the stages of growing up, reading together opens those lines and gets the conversation flowing. When you read together, you become a safe person to ask questions to and get advice from, and your child will look to you as a leader and example to follow.

It keeps you in touch with your children. When your kids are young, you will choose the books, but as they grow old enough, let them decide what you read to them. The stories may be simple and you may have read them a million times, but letting your child chose will allow you to stay tuned into subjects that they like, and not to mention what they are reading. You will have more to relate to and a better idea of their interests and what is going on in their life. It can help you connect with them on a different level as you learn more about what inspires them as an individual.

Reading aloud helps develop a child’s imagination. With no television to look at, and no words to struggle through, your children have nothing to do but listen and let their imagination flow. Having creativity makes for a moldable adult whom can fit in all social situations and excel in any industry he or she chooses a career in.

They will know you care. Yes, your child will learn to read earlier, have a stronger vocabulary and become a better writer if they read more, but they will also know that they are loved and cared for by an attentive parent. Their self-esteem and confidence will grow, you will have a stronger bond with them, and they will feel safe and loved. All of these outcomes will shape them to be strong and capable adults with positive outlooks and bright futures.

Happy Reading!

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddy & Co., delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel, and the Daddy & Co. blog where he covers topics about parenting all from a Dad’s perspective.

The post The Importance of Reading With Your Kids appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

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 coloring page. I suggest, a coloring book, a toy car or action figure or some stickers. I always bring the iPod and headphones as my backup plan. Sometimes a child will be nearing meltdown mode before the food has arrived and you’ll need something to occupy them until they get to eat. Make sure you bring toys that are quiet, because others dining nearby won’t likely want to listen to a loud battery-operated toy for an hour.

Limited Options: Too many options usually lead to upset, so take it upon yourself to limit your child’s options for food and drink. Sure, the restaurant might offer: coke, sprite, dr. pepper, milk, iced tea, Shirley temple, Roy Rogers, lemonade and water for the drink options, but that might be an overwhelming selection for your child to pick from. We usually offer our children the choice of milk or water. And we do the same with the food. There are usually 3 – 5 entre choices on the kid’s menu; we choose the healthiest two options and allow our children to pick between those two.

Pick the Right Restaurant: Find out what restaurants are kid-friendly in your area and try those first. If you’re traveling look on Yelp or call restaurants to find out what the atmosphere is like and if the restaurant is suitable for children and families. It will be miserable for all involved if you try to take a family to a fancy establishment only to find yourself trying to clean up spilled milk while comforting a screaming toddler. Save the fancy restaurant for date-night, and hit up that 50’s diner with fun music, milkshakes and coloring books with the kids.

Order Kids Food First: Often times my children are very hungry by the time we make it to a restaurant, so my wife and I make a point to order their food when we order everyone a drink. The food will then arrive more quickly, and your children won’t sit hungry longer than they have to. Don’t wait for the waiter or waitress to ask you what you’d like to eat for dinner. Take initiative and politely let them know your kids are hungry and you’d like to put their order in immediately. It’ll be worth it!

Childproof the Table: There are all kinds of items on a restaurant table that aren’t suitable for children. As soon as you get to the restaurant make sure you first childproof the table – or at least the area of the table within your child’s reach. When I say childproof the table, I essentially mean getting rid of knives, salt shakers and breakable objects and ensuring there are lids on all children’s cups.

Communicate: It doesn’t hurt to talk about dining out ahead of time. Discuss what it will be like and how the children are expected to behave. Have a tea party or trial run at home; you’ll be able to play and have fun while helping your children learn what’s expected of them at a restaurant.

Eating out with kids can be fun, but remember, it can be an unpredictable experience. Be prepared to leave early and take your food to go if necessary.

Happy parenting!

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents. Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddy & Co., delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel, and the Daddy & Co. blog where he covers topics about parenting all from a Dad’s perspective.

The post Dining Out with Kids appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

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 most inexpensive, meaningful ideas are the best and most appreciated.  Here are a few of the ideas I’ve used over the years:

1.    A Picnic Perfect Evening.  Once the kids are tucked safely in bed, lay out blanket (in front of the fire place gets you extra credit), put on the Barry White or Sade, dig out the champagne glasses (even if you’re having water), set the mood with some candles, and enjoy dinner picnic style.  It can be as simple as a pizza.

2.    Inexpensive and Fun Win.  A game of bowling with a couple of beers or putt-putt golf are always good for a few laughs together.  You can even surprise him by going sledding (it’s not just for kids!) or taking in a local basketball or hockey game.  These ideas are all inexpensive and put a little fun into your relationship.

3.    Skip the Card, Go for The Post-It Note.  Yes, that’s right, Post-It Notes.  But not one or two, I’m talking about a house filled with them.  Give her all the reasons you love her.  Stick them the bathroom mirror, on her pillow, on the back of the front door, and on the coffee pot.  The idea may seem small but the sentiment is huge.

4.    Be Unconventional.  No one ever said that Valentine’s Day had to be celebrated ON Valentine’s Day.  Celebrate the day before or the day after. Or take the morning off work and take the kids to school, then head to brunch with your significant other. 

5.    Bring Back the “Mixed Tape.”  Remember when you were dating and you’d create a mixed tape or cd filled with your favorite songs together?  Whip up this old time favorite for your beloved this Valentine’s Day by uploading your favorite songs to her iPod or MP4 player.  Don’t forget to include a song you danced to at your wedding!

6.    Recreate Your First Date or the Night You Met.  Unless your first date was an out-of-control frat party, this idea will be a real memory maker.  Bring back as many things from your first date as possible, from the food, to the friends you were with, to the movie you watched, or the sporting event you attended.  You may have to improvise a bit but the effort behind it will win you a lot of points with your loved one.

7.    Movie Marathon Night.  Visit the library or movie rental spot and pick-up his/her favorites, a movie from when you first started dating, or one that is your favorite together.  Pop some popcorn, make up some hot toddy’s or hot chocolate and cuddle up for a movie marathon.

8.    Book His and Hers Massages.  Make an appointment for the two of you to get massages together at a local spa or massage school that offers discounted services.  You probably won’t be in the same room but think how appreciated this gesture will be and how relaxed you’ll both be when you emerge an hour later!

9.    No Reservation, No Problem.  Tuck the little ones in and invite your lady love to dinner at Chez Husband instead.  Plan a menu around her favorite foods and whip up a romantic dinner at home.  The dinner can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make it.  Light candles, pour a couple glasses of wine, relax, and chat the evening away.  Tipping is appreciated, but not required.

10. Document Your Life Together.  Do you have tons of pictures of the two of you sitting on your desktop?  Find a site like One True Media and create a video montage for your favorite someone.  You can make a stunning gift that will be hard to beat next year.  Simply upload your favorite digital photos, pick a couple of great songs, and there you’ll have it.  I can almost guarantee this one will bring a few tears, hugs, and kisses.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddy & Co., delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel, and the Daddy & Co. blog where he covers topics about parenting all from a Dad’s perspective.

The post Spark a Creative Romance this Valentine’s Day appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

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 making up words to tunes the kids are familiar with, all of sudden they start laughing and we get a change of pace. They find it very funny when I sing the wrong words to popular songs. Any time you can do something goofy to make your family laugh or smile – I say go for it! Don’t take yourself too seriously, and take advantage of every opportunity to smile.

Play More: We have more fun together as a family when my wife and I actively participate in playtime with the kids. We get down on the floor, ride bikes together, climb up the slide and go back down, etc.  If you want to have more fun as a family, participate and become part of the show, not just a parent watching on the sidelines. Your kids will love to see that you’re not afraid to get dirty or act silly, and you’ll all have lots of fun playing together.

Be Prepared: Families can have more fun by being prepared for anything and everything. Pack your diaper bag (or Daddy Diaper Pack) with essentials and extras – just in case. Determine how many diapers you’ll need for a specific number of hours then add two more.  Download the movie on the iPad that you can turn on when your child is approaching meltdown mode. Being prepared will allow families to have more fun together because there will be less to complain about (i.e., nobody will be chilly if you stay out after the sun goes down because you packed jackets in advance) and parents will have less to worry about.

Go with the Flow: Don’t get stressed when plans change – go with the flow and stay flexible. The journey through parenthood can be bumpy, and parents have to learn to accept sudden changes and make the most of them. If you get stressed about a change in plans, chances are your children will follow suit. If you remain calm and are determined to have fun with your family, however, they’ll likely act in the same manner.

I know it’s not always easy to be a parent, so take it day by day, remain calm, smile more and play a lot – you can do it!

Happy parenting!

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

The post Families Can Have More Fun appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

1. Get a Book: There are plenty of waterproof books that are bath time friendly. Books can help solidify a bath time routine while remaining fun and unique – who doesn’t love a floating, waterproof book? I suggest Scrubba Dub Dub with Daddy Duck; this sweet book is an easy read and the illustrations will bring the singsong-like words to life. http://www.daddyscrubs.com/all-products/bookstore/children-s-books/scrubba-dub-dub-with-daddy-duck-bath-book.html

2. Make Bath Paint: Bath paint can easily be made with shaving cream and food coloring yet is such a fun activity. Kids will love “painting” the walls of the tub with the shaving cream paint, and it cleans up easily, too. Learn more about shaving cream paint at The Imagination Tree Blog: http://theimaginationtree.com/2012/02/shaving-cream-bath-paint.html

3. Choose Cups, Spoons and Strainers: Many kitchen and cooking utensils can make bathtime extra fun. Grab items such as: spoons, plastic measuring cups, a strainer, a ladle, new sponges and anything else you think might be fun and let your child play and learn as they fill the items up with water and poor the water out again and again.

4. It’s All About the Bubbles: Who doesn’t love a good bubble bath? Pick up some extra sudsy kid-friendly bubble bath of your choosing and add some bubbles to your child’s next bath. Bubbles allow for plenty of fun, and with so many soothing scents to choose from they may even help your child wind down for the evening.

There are lots of easy ways to make bath time even more fun for kids!

Happy parenting!

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents. Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddy & Co., delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel, and the Daddy & Co. blog where he covers topics about parenting all from a Dad’s perspective.

The post Easy Ways to Make Bathtime Fun appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

When my wife Katy and I got married, building a life that was safe and healthy to raise a family was of the utmost important to us.  Living green has been a lifelong practice that really flourished as our family grew.  Our number one priority has been to raise a happy family and create a healthy environment for us, as well as, our surrounding community of Manhattan Beach, CA.

We are often asked, “What can I do to live a green lifestyle?”  The answer is simple, if everyone would make small changes in their everyday lives, it could make a significant impact on the strain for resources in their local communities.  Katy and I have compiled a list of some simple ways we all can contribute to making a smaller footprint.

1.  Reduce Water Consumption– There are several ways families can reduce their water consumption.

• Take showers instead of baths. Newer higher efficiency showerheads provide good water pressure and use less water than filling a bath tub.
• Shorten Shower time. Less time in the shower saves up to 5 gallons of water per minute you cut from shower time.
• Use high efficiency toilets. Over the past several years manufacturers have worked to make toilets more water efficient and bacteria-resistant which makes them easier to clean.
• Xeriscape – Be thoughtful in your landscaping choices. Utilize plants and grasses that are drought tolerant. Reduce water consumption and garden maintenance simultaneously.
• Plant trees for shade. Not only will the shade help reduce cooling costs, it will also increase property values when the trees mature.

2.  Use Natural Cleaning Products– Natural cleaning products are readily available at most super markets. They clean, disinfect and deodorize the same way conventional cleaning products do without harmful chemicals. Read labels before you purchase, natural ingredients include baking soda, borax, cornstarch, lemon juice, mineral oil, vinegar and washing soda. If you choose to make your own, add essential oils for fragrance.

3.  Maximize Solar Power– Consider installing solar panels to heat and cool your home. Solar panels will reduce energy levels and benefit your entire community by reducing energy consumption at the local power plant.

4.  Preserve Air Quality– Use eco-friendly paints the next time you update a room in your house. Eco-friendly paints have very low levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and come in a wide array of colors.

5.  Reduce Utility Consumption– Upgrade to a high quality air filtering system. By providing better air ventilation and exhaust in your home you will have cleaner air to breathe while reducing strain your community’s electric and gas consumption.

6.  Buy Natural and Organic Products– When making purchases for furniture and bedding choose organic products made from sustainable materials like unbleached wool, bamboo, or natural plant fibers. Using eco-friendly furniture is an excellent way to detox your home. Organic mattresses made from wool or natural latex and have been shown to reduce allergens in the air.

7.  Use Re-usable Containers– Rather than using foil or plastic wrap; try using re-usable storage containers for leftovers or lunches. Consider taking a coffee mug to work instead of using Styrofoam cups. Not only will you save money, you will also reduce items that sit in a landfill for years decomposing.

8.  Eat Clean– More processing equals less nutrient density in foods. Focus on buying fresh organic fruits and vegetables. Reduce the amount of processed foods in your diet. Eating clean will improve your health and cut down on landfill items by cutting out cans, glass and plastics in your trash.

9.  Conduct an Energy Audit– Discover where you have leaks and plug them up. Inefficient windows and doors can cost a lot in utility bills in the winter. If you still feel drafts, hire a professional auditor through the Department of Energy’s Energy Saver site. They can make excellent recommendations to make your home weather tight.

10.  Recycle– Most major cities offer free recycling as part of weekly trash removal programs. Take advantage of the service and sort through glass, plastic, aluminum and paper. Quarterly go through closets and drawers and find clothes the kids have outgrown or that you simply don’t wear anymore and donate to a thrift store or homeless shelter. Items that are gently used can benefit others in your community.

Living a green lifestyle is a conscious choice we made for our family, and we can attest to the fact that the benefits far outweigh the planning it takes.  We would like to encourage you to join us in adopting a green lifestyle for your family.  You will be amazed at the difference it will make in your lives and in your local community.

Good luck and happy parenting!

Daddy Nickell

The Nickells’ practice what they preach as they are in the process of building an eco- friendly home that is on track to receive Platinum LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddy & Co., delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel, and the Daddy & Co. blog where he covers topics about parenting all from a Dad’s perspective.

The post 10 Tips for Greener Living appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Every child has to learn how to be a good sport, and in turn, a good loser. Whether your child is playing a team sport like soccer or a board game at home there will come a time when they don’t win. And how they handle that loss will be extremely important. With seven children of my own ranging in age from 1 year to 27 years old, I’ve learned my fair share about sportsmanship over the years.

Here are my tips for raising a child who is a team player and a good sport when faced with a loss.

Do Your Best: Teach your child that his best is plenty good enough, and that instead of trying to always win, he should instead focus on trying to do his best and trying to improve each and every time he plays a game. Often too much emphasis is put on the win, when it should be spread out. We need more emphasis on: building each other up, being patient, playing as a team, working hard, being supportive, improving, etc. As parents we can work to switch the emphasis from “the win” to all of the other wonderful things that are learned through games and sports. 

Discussing the Loss: When your child loses a game, discuss it with them and let them know it’s okay to lose some; nobody wins every game they play. Share stories of your own losses and how you handled those difficulties in your life. Discuss ways in which you learned to be a good sport. Encourage your child to talk about their own goals, how they’ve improved over time, what they did well in any certain game and more. I believe in an open line of communication between parents and children; you’ll be able to share your own wisdom, and you’ll likely be surprised by what your children tell you, too.

Rewarding a Positive Attitude: As your child learns to be a good sport it’ll be important to reward their positive attitude – when they have one. Don’t let an opportunity go by for you to genuinely let your child know you’re proud of them. And when your child gracefully loses a game while being kind and supportive to their teammates, that would likely be one of those times. Tell your child you’re proud and let them know exactly why; then reward them by letting them choose dessert or pick a weekend activity for the family.

Consequences for Unsportsmanlike Conduct: On the other hand, there will probably be times when your child loses a game and behaves in an unsportsmanlike manner. Or there might be a time when your child is rude to a teammate or to another team. This behavior might merit a consequence. After the consequence is delivered and your child cools off, I recommend talking to the child about their behavior in detail. Ask them to come up with alternative methods for handling such a situation in the future.

Games and sports teach us a lot about life, and therefore teaching children to be good sports is invaluable but also difficult. I hope these tips will help your family as they’ve helped mine in the past. 

Happy parenting!

Sincerely,

Daddy

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, 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 gifts and apparel, and the DaddyScrubs blog where he covers topics about parenting all from a Dad’s perspective.

The post Teaching Good Sportsmanship appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Between smart phones and computers people aren’t required to interact face-to-face all the time anymore. And in my opinion, you need the face-to-face interactions to develop empathy for others and to, in turn, build and develop proper manners and etiquette.

We should be working with our children to instill these values, encouraging them to spend less time on their computers, smart phones and gaming devices and to spend more time engaging with one another and learning how to kindly treat people within our society – peers and elders alike.  Each and every generation is raised with a differing set of values. I was raised in the 60’s and 70’s, and my dad taught me these basic manners and etiquette. I still think about these 10 ideals today, and I have, in turn, tried hard to teach them to my own children.

1. Call the neighbors “Mr. and Mrs.”: This etiquette stretches beyond the neighborhood and applies to any and every adult encountered. It’s about respect, and I believe in teaching my children to respect their elders.

2. Be chivalrous: Chivalry isn’t dead. We should teach our children to be chivalrous and to conduct themselves with honor and dignity while being courteous to the people around them.

3. Say grace before dinner: I was raised in a Christian home, and my dad always said grace before we ate dinner. The lesson in this is to be appreciative for the things you have.

4. Honesty is the best policy: It may not always be easier to tell the truth, but it’ll always be better in the long run. Our children should know that lying won’t get them anywhere, and that it’s always better to be honest.

5. Say excuse me after sneezing, burping or farting: The human body doesn’t always have the best sense of timing, but a sincere, “excuse me,” will make up for that.

6. Say please and thank you: Sometimes we put please and thank you on the back-burner, so it’s important to remind ourselves to use these polite words all the time – especially when you are trying to set a good example and teach manners and etiquette to your children.

7. Say “sir” and “ma’am” whenever possible: It’s the polite and respectful thing to do. It might feel old-fashioned, but the elders in your child’s life will really appreciate that simple gesture.

8. Be generous to others: When you have enough to share – share! Being generous is a wonderful part of life, and it’s imperative we teach our children to be able to share.

9. Live by your word: Teach the importance of following-through and to live by your word. It’s an essential part of life, and it’s a lesson children can begin to learn at a young age.

10. Treat others the way you’d like to be treated: Of course, the golden rule made the list. It’s as simple as that; the golden rule will teach children to be polite, empathetic and caring.

These 10 basic rules of etiquette need to continue to be taught to our new generations. Getting back to the basics and revisiting the very root of etiquette will ensure we see a new, positive and thoughtful generation in the future.

Happy parenting! 

Sincerely, 

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, 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 gifts and apparel, and the DaddyScrubs blog where he covers topics about parenting all from a Dad’s perspective.

The post Etiquette and Raising Children appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.