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.

My mom and dad are the force of reconciliation in our family.  I am not saying we squabble, or fight as siblings even after 50 years of life, but my parents keep us together with celebration, tradition and the importance of family. Today they are in their 80’s, and love to have “the family” over to their house for holidays, dinner, and conversation.  Because of this they have instilled an inherent quality in not only my brother and sister, but our spouses, and our kids (nieces and nephews), as well. 

When I was growing up, I remember going to “Family Reunions” in the Midwest, where everyone at the park, or the house was a relative.  I could never believe how many uncles, aunts, and cousins I had.  It seemed like a natural bond of love and caring that was unconditionally given by all.  It felt like a fraternity, or special club that I belonged to simply because I was part of the family.  I saw places where my dad used to play when he was a child, I saw the church my parents were married in and I slept in the basement of my granny’s house in the summer where my mom was raised.

So, why does it take holidays to bring the family together?  There are plenty of movies, and TV shows about the family getting together for holiday celebrations, from the dysfunctional, to the new loves, to the aging and dying.  For me, any of those shows can bring a tear to my eye, and smile to my cheek.

I believe in tradition, and celebration of family.  If it takes a holiday to get it done, then that is OK with me.  I can only thank my mom and dad for bringing us all together, teaching us about the importance of family, and instilling in us the desire to continue these traditions for our families and the generations to follow.

If you are reading this, and you were not raised in a family of tradition, holidays, and celebration, or you missed out for one reason or another, it is never too late to reignite the fire within.  Teach those around you, and start a fresh journey no matter what stage of life you are residing.

Happy Holidays! 

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 Holidays are About Celebration, Tradition and Family appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

The holidays are a great time to get kids involved with family activities, such as, gift shopping, decorating and helping with a meal. It builds excitement and allows them to be a part of something bigger than just their presents.  As a father to 7, I’ve learned how to incorporate the kids in our holiday festivities over the years. Here are a few ideas to share with your family:

1. Let them make some of the decisions. If you have decorations that don’t have set spots, or are trying to decide between two stockings, let your child make the decision. They will feel invested and excited about their input.

2. Don’t stress about where they put things. You can go back and change it later if you really need to. Give your children general instructions (the breakable ornaments go on top of the tree, the soft ornaments on the bottom) and let them have at it. You can rearrange and spread out the clumps after they are in bed.

3. If you are a list maker, let them make the list on the computer. I guarantee you will have the prettiest list in town. While shopping, give them the list and the pen and let them cross off items as you get them.

4. Let them make some of the easier food: Jello, mashing potatoes, Christmas cookies, and breads. These are all good things that children can do.

5. Have them help set the table. Find an example of proper table setting on your iPad and let your children set the table. They just need a picture to follow.

6. If gift shopping, ask your child for their input. “Do you think grandma would like this?” or “Which doll do you think Janie would like best?”  Having them help select gifts makes them proud, as well.

7. Craft Time! If you are doing things and need them engaged in something else, give them a craft to do to help you. Make a countdown to Christmas paper chain, Thanksgiving “turkey” hands of thankfulness, napkin holders, place cards, holiday cards for grandma and grandpa.

8. Make it fun. Sing songs while you bake, play music while you decorate, dress like each other and grab a special lunch while shopping. If you are having fun and not stressed, your child will have fun as well.

Good luck and Have a Happy Holiday!

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 Tips for Engaging Children in Holiday Planning appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Problem solving is a skill we all utilize day-to-day within our lives, but how did we learn it? It’s not the easiest thing to teach; however, there are many ways in which we, as parents, can help our children become excellent problem solvers.

With seven kids of my own I’ve learned that there are lots of ways to help teach problem solving to children. Here are my top four tips:

1. Let Them Try It: One was to help teach kids to solve problems is to let them figure out certain age appropriate things on their own such as zipping up a coat, buttoning a button, tying their shoes, etc. This will instill a sense of confidence in your children as well as encourage them to solve problems as they arise. It can be quite rewarding for a child to discover something on their own; it will boost their confidence and build their problem solving skills.

2. Discuss Problem Solving: Talking out loud and discussing problems with your child is a great way to teach them problem solving skills. By doing this you can better understand where they’re coming from and the path they’re taking to understand and solve the problem at hand. The discussion of the problem will allow you, the parent, to help without you directly solving your child’s problem for them. Ask your child questions that might guide them closer to the answer, and listen to their ideas in order to better steer them in the right direction.

3. Be a role model – always: Your children are watching and learning from your every move, so make sure your actions send the right message. When you encounter a problem don’t get frustrated, but instead calmly solve it. Encourage your child to keep trying when problems are tough and help them when they really need it. You probably don’t think about the many problems you solve everyday in your work life or at home, but watching how you handle those problems or situations can be a great learning experience for your child, and will give them a better idea of how to solve their own problems properly in the future.

4. Start Young: Teaching kids to solve problems should begin at a young age. Beginning as infants, children learn, change and grow every week. So you should help teach them problem solving skills beginning at a young age. Let them work some things out on their own, and they’ll be better problem solvers in the long run. Of course it’s important to start small with babies and expand upon the problems you let your children solve alone (with your supervision) as they grow.

I hope these tips will work for you as I’ve found them successful in the past within my own home. Teaching skills you know your child will utilize and expand upon throughout their entire life can be quite rewarding – it’s definitely worth the extra effort!

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 4 Tips for Teaching Problem Solving appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Most kids will probably say Halloween is one of their favorite times of the year. It’s a time of great excitement—there’s picking out the perfect costume, school parties, trick or treating and trips to the pumpkin patch. Just don’t forget to keep your little goblins happy and safe this Halloween season with a few simple tips. Whether you’re a Beggar’s Night newbie or a seasoned trick or treating pro, life gets hectic and we may skip a safety step or two in a hurry. 

Here are a few refresher tips and ideas to ensure your Halloween:

Find Community Events. Younger kids can be apprehensive about going door-to-door trick or treating.  If that’s the case, head out to a kid-friendly community Halloween fair or event. There will still be “trick-or-treating” (just maybe booth-to-booth instead of door-to-door) as well as costumes and fun. My kids love this as there are usually extra and unusual activities like bobbing for apples, face painting and more.

Don’t let your little tyke get overtired this Halloween. Plan ahead! Trick or treat early; plan on only going to only a few houses then head home so you can stick with your nightly routine. After dinner allow your child to stay up and help hand out candy for a certain amount of time before taking a bath and going to bed.

Wear a costume that can easily be seen. Add reflective tape, wear glow-in-the-dark tights, and throw a blinking light in your candy bag. Do whatever you need to do to make sure you and your child can be seen regardless of how dark it gets.

Don’t mix running and costumes! Remind your children to walk (instead of run) and don’t forget to use the sidewalks. Steps pop up in the dark, roots suddenly appear, dresses seem longer, shoes are bigger… remind your child to slow down. The candy will be at the door regardless of when they arrive. The trick is to arrive safely.

Set a meeting time and place. If your kids are a bit older and don’t want mom and dad cramping their style. Regardless if you plan on separating from your children or not, set a place where you will meet should you become separated.  Most towns have a set time for trick or treating so the residents know when people will be coming and going.  Respect others by sticking to this time and ask your kids to do the same.

Find safe areas for trick or treating. Stick to neighborhoods with a lot of homes like a subdivision and good street lighting. This isn’t a time to roam new areas that you and your children are unfamiliar with.  If you do not feel your neighborhood is as safe as it should be, find a better one for your kids.

No porch light, no stopping.  Do not stop at a home with no porch light on.  This is the owner’s way of declining visitors for whatever reason. And only accept candy from someone’s doorway (preferably someone you know). It’s always a good idea to check over your kid’s candy before they dig in as well (it also gives you first dibs on the best candy!).

Swap the door-to-door with a party at home.  If your kids are willing, skip the whole door-to-door routine and have a party at home.  Invite friends, put on spooky music, play games, serve a fun dinner like hot dogs or tacos and Halloween themed party snacks.  A party like this can be more fun than traipsing around in cold weather waiting for a Tootsie Roll. 

Have fun! Trick or Treating should be one of the great adventures of Halloween for kids.  It’s also a great time for families to spend time together. So relax, take lots of photos, have fun and be safe!

Have a happy Halloween!

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 Daddy Nickell’s Safe Trick or Treating Tips appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

We all know how important father/son bonding time is. The relationship a boy has with his father greatly shapes the man he will become in the future. But building a great father/son relationship can be tricky as your son hits his tween and teen years. All of a sudden Dad isn’t as cool as he used to be and your son will most likely lean toward spending time with friends. Although it may be tougher, this is a crucial time for Dads to be involved and maintain the relationship with their sons. With a little advanced planning, you can make the most of your father/son time and create great memories.

Here are a few ideas to get you started: 

1) Meet him on his Turf. Go for a bike ride, lace up some skates, kick a soccer ball; you may even need to grab the wii remote and give video games a try. If you want to hang out and relate with your son, you will need to do it in a way he understands and desires.

2) Go to Movies. This gives you time together, but you don’t need to talk. Then when the movie is over, you’ll have something to talk about. But again, you may have to go to a movie that is out of your comfort zone, let him choose and love it no matter what.

3) Take him out to Dinner. Let your son choose where you eat and make have fun! Whether it is an impromptu dinner or one that is planned for weeks, food is always a good hit with boys.

4) Go to a Sporting Event Together. Boys usually love sports and it’s a perfect time for father and son to bond over a favorite sport or team.

5) Keep Talking. Most boys aren’t as verbal and chatty as girls which can make them hard to talk to. But ultimately, everyone loves to talk about themselves so if you ask questions and keep the conversation going, your son is sure to let down his guard and talk with you.  

6) Invite his Friends Over for Pizza. Nothing gathers teenage boys faster than food. If you are willing and able to provide, the boys will come. You may not get the one-on-one time with your son you were hoping for, but you will get to see him in his natural environment. Plus, his friends will probably strike up conversations with you which will give you a glimpse into your child’s life.

7) Turn off the Electronics in the Car. Don’t allow your teen to bury his face in his phone while you are driving around. He can put the phone down for 15 minutes. If conversation doesn’t come easily, turn on the tunes and bond over music. Car rides are a fantastic time to catch up and converse with your kids.

8) Don’t take it Personally. It can be hard when your son chooses to hang with his friends instead of you, but try not to get too bent out of shape over it. In truth, your nagging and pestering will only drive him away more. Understand that he wants to be with his buddies and let that happen.

9) Be Vulnerable with Him. Let your teen know what scares you, what you like, mistakes you’ve made. If you seem like a “real person” to him, he is more likely to hang out with you.

10) Don’t Give a Guilt Trip. “Guilting” your son into hanging out with you will not result in quality bonding. Instead you’ll have a child who resents you for making him skip something fun to hang with his parent.

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 Tips for Bonding with Your Son appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

If you have children it’s likely they’ve made friends with other kids who live nearby in and around your neighborhood. It can be tricky to have new children in your home as your house rules may be quite different than what they’re used to in their own homes.

I’ve put together a few tips that will help make play dates in your home enjoyable while ensuring neighborhood friends understand your household rules, too!

Be the Parent: It’s time to worry less about being considered the “mean parent” and worry more about doing what you think is right and will work best for you and your household. First and foremost, you should be the parent, not always the friend. When they refer to you as mean or the mean parent, you’re likely not actually even being mean; you should just be setting a standard and asking your child’s friends to follow the rules of your house. They might consider you mean because they aren’t able to get away with things they’re used to getting away with at their own home or elsewhere. Remember to not be overly harsh – they’re just kids after all. Also, it’s okay to have fun and play along when appropriate; however, when a boundary is crossed make sure everyone knows what the rules are and what to expect in the future.

Set the Boundaries: When a new child comes to your home for the first time sit down with them and discuss your house rules such as: always ring the doorbell and wait to be let inside, dinner time is family time and unless they’re having a sleepover they’ll need to go to their own homes for dinner, homework must be complete before playtime starts, they’re only allowed to watch 30 minutes of television before switching to a different activity, etc. Whatever your rules may be, explain them to the new child before setting them loose as a new neighborhood friend! 

Be Consistent: When a new neighborhood friend breaks your rules and comes busting through the front door unannounced during dinner time, it’ll be up to you to calmly handle the situation. I suggest standing up, letting the child know it’s dinner time and your child won’t be able to play at the moment before proceeding to walk the child home reminding them on the way home that after a certain time at night it’s no longer play time as you have rules and routines in your home, and if they want to play they’ll have to try again tomorrow – before dinner time. Always handle these situations gently and with extra caution, as once again they’re just children, and they’re not your children. For all you know they live a completely different lifestyle and are having a hard time understanding or adapting to yours.

Good luck and happy parenting!

Daddy Nickell

Daddy Nickell, father of 7, founder of Daddyscrubs.com and the Daddyscrubs parenting blog.

The post Neighborhood Kids and Play Dates appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

It’s back-to-school time and this time of year makes many kids feel anxious.  Some are starting school for the first time, while others have new schools, new teachers and new schedules.  Feeling anxious and nervous during this time is normal and understandable. Parents can help ease the transition of going back to school with these simple strategies.

1. Start Early.  Begin talking about school several weeks before they actually go. Create excitement about the upcoming day by taking them “back-to-school” shopping for school supplies and clothing. Get back in the rhythm of things by reading together, practicing math problems and other school like activities. Talk excitedly about school for several weeks prior. By the time they go to school, hopefully they will be in a routine and comfortable with the idea of going to school.

2. Take a tour of the school and meet teachers. Don’t skip the open house. Your child will realize they know lots of kids there and the opportunity to meet some of their teachers will greatly reduce their stress. Familiarize them with the building. Whether starting kindergarten or middle school, a new building, new hallways and new kids will cause stress to even the most veteran student.  For kids that will be switching classrooms, do a walk-through so they know their routes and won’t get lost.

3. Talk to them about bullying. Make sure they understand what it means to be a bully and to be bullied. Walk them through the steps of what to do if they or someone they know are being bullied.  Give them a safe, confidential source (school counselor, homeroom teacher, etc.) to go to if they see bullying or are bullied themselves so they know there is support available in the school as well as at home.

4.  Include a little note or treat in their lunchbox or backpack. This little gesture will make mom feel a little closer even when she’s not right there.

5.  Arrange play dates with future classmates for younger kids.  Start organizing the play dates in the summer so they have already formed some friendships before school starts.

6.  Remind them that they are not alone in their anxiety. There are plenty of children who will be feeling the same way they are, and they should talk with their friends and teachers about their feelings.

7.  Make a couple of trips to the school playground over the summer. This activity will make them feel more comfortable and look forward to recess when school starts. Find out what games are played at recess and play them with your child over the summer so he/she can confidently join in.

8.  School bus stress. The school bus might be a stressor for younger kids.  Take a few practice rides on a city bus with your child so they get a sense of what it’s like (safety rules, standing in line, not standing up when the bus is in motion, etc.).  Ask the school bus company for the route map in advance so you can drive your child through the neighborhood and point out specific landmarks, signs so they should look for so they know which stop is theirs.

9.  Be there when they get home the first day. Nothing wipes away anxiety like mom welcoming you home with a special “first day of school” treat.  Your child will realize they made it through the first day, and they had fun! Listen to their stories, encourage them to talk, keep things positive and upbeat.

Have a great school year!

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 Helping Kids with Back-to-School Stress appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

When you have children you know the importance of a good routine. Children thrive on routine and they’ll come to appreciate it greatly, but it’s not always easy to establish a routine at home. With seven children of my own I have tried it all, and I have come to figure out 5 tips that help build and establish a routine. And without further adieu, here they are:

 1.  Consistency – Write down your desired routine and complete it consistently, as a family, everyday for a week. The first week might be difficult, but don’t give up – be consistent. At the end of the week you’ll be able to make changes and modifications where necessary, and you’ll likely be surprised by how well your family has taken to the routine. After the first week it’ll go much more smoothly! Things to ensure are part of the routine include: a designated wake up time and bedtime, hygiene schedules, healthy meals, family time, play time, down time and school.

 2.  Communication – Talk about the routine everyday in order to make sure all family members are on the same page. Let your family add to the conversation in discussing what they like, what they don’t like, what works well, what doesn’t and why. Finding a routine that works for everyone is key to the success of your routine. So give every family member a chance to communicate in order to be sure everyone’s needs are being met by the routine you’ve created.

3. Organization – Be as organized as you can when it comes to your routine. Make sure homework is complete in the evenings, projects are ready for transport to the car before going to bed, everyone has what they need to leave the house, etc. We use a large family calendar wherein we write in big projects, happenings and the daily schedule of activities as well as a large white board where we write important reminders, so we don’t let anything fall through the cracks or ruin our routine.

 4.  Schedule – In our home, everyone looks at the calendar, discusses it, adds to it, and talks about their day, after school events, upcoming weekend events, family nights, and after school sports. Use a calendar and teach your children how to use it, too. If they know what the calendar means they’ll likely ask you to add their important events, activities and ideas to it. Don’t forget to allow time in the schedule for bumps in the road. Your routine might be bumpy every other day, and it’s important to plan time for those bumps in the schedule and make room for adjustments, too.

I know routines have the tendency to be rigid, but you can’t forget to have fun – be a family, be supportive, be funny, smile; life is short, enjoy the moments of chaos, and grow together.

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 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 5 Routine Tips that Work appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Parenting is all about balance, and it can be quite difficult to feel as if you’re giving your children enough attention while also trying to balance work, life and good relationships. It’s all about finding the right balance and eliminating the dreaded feeling of guilt in relation to parenting. Remember: If you’re doing your very best, you’re doing it right.

Daddy guilt exists as much as mommy guilt does just in different ways.  I believe most dads think that they do not spend enough time with their kids.  However, as with most guilt it is really an internal process, and the kids themselves are likely quite content with the level of attention they are receiving.

I’ve put together my top tips for alleviating the feelings of daddy guilt and being more engaged, involved and connected – even if you don’t get as much time as you’d like with your kids.

When in Doubt, Play: After having 7 kids of my own and experiencing 50 plus years of life, I find I am a little less concerned about my guilt nowadays. If I feel even slightly remorseful, I push those feelings aside and simply sit down on the floor and start playing with my kids.  Together, we like activities such as: reading, building train track set ups, and just walking outside together to explore our surroundings. Building memories together, bonding and establishing a relationship is an important part of being a dad, and engaging in activities with your children whenever you have time will eliminate some of the daddy guilt you might be feeling from working too much or traveling.

Give Your Undivided Attention: For a working dad or mom, the key to avoiding guilt and building relationships is undivided attention.  When you have the time to be with your kids, do so, without the smart phone nearby and without any other distractions. Even fifteen minutes of undivided attention a day is better than an hour of being in the same room while distracted by a television, a computer or a phone.  Quality time is well spent sitting quietly, asking questions, and listening to your children. Your kids will show you what they need from you; they’ll lead you to their understanding of quality time, and you need to be ready to jump on that bandwagon.  Engage your children, make eye contact, and listen to what they’re saying. That is ten times stronger and more effective than force feeding activities or trying to simply entertain them.

Make the Phone Call: When your kids are grown and out of the house it’s important to connect with them, and that generally means logging onto Facebook, setting up a Skype call, sending them an email or making that phone call. Your goal is simple: check in, ensure they know you are thinking of them and give them your love. If you have little ones at home and your work demands you travel and are away from you family for long periods of time you’ll need to do the same types of things to stay involved and engaged. In our house we love Skype and FaceTime; it allows us to see each other face-to-face, check in, smile, and even play with toys or read a story together. Engaging in this type of activity – even when you’re far apart – will alleviate the feelings of guilt that might come with being away from your family for work.

Be Consistent: Be the man your family relies on and follow through – every time. If you work long days and are only home at night in time for baths and story time then be present, every single night, for those activities. If you work nights and only get to spend time with your children when they wake up in the morning then be present and make that time count. If weekends are the only time you get to connect with your children then be consistent during those times and be involved and engaged. Your kids will look forward to the time they get to spend with you, and when you consistently engage them you’ll be making memories and building relationships that will last a lifetime.

So my advice is really this: if Dad is feeling guilty, he should just jump in and spend time with his kids, whenever and however possible – it will benefit everyone involved. 

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 Time Spent with Kids Eliminates Guilt appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.