How Nick Lachey Is Using His Personal Experience With Special Needs to Teach His Children Acceptance

On children with special needs: "I’ve always tried to be very involved with children. My foundation’s mission statement is specifically designed to be very broad and to help children and families in need, so it’s always been something that’s been a part of what I try to do. And above and beyond that, I have a brother, Zach, who has Asperger’s, a form of autism, so I feel like I’ve kind of seen first-hand the importance of development for differently-abled kids."

On the guide: "This guide is a perfect way to take the guesswork out of gift-giving. It’s broken down using different skill-building icons, so adults can go through and pick a gift that is designed to enhance a specific skill — auditory, language, gross motor, fine motor — so whether you’re a parent, a caregiver, or a friend looking to get something for a birthday party, it’s great to be able to make sure you’re getting a gift that’s going to be a good fit for a kid with special needs."

On growing up with a brother with special needs: "The big thing for me is, obviously growing up with a brother with special needs, I think I’ve seen first-hand how important it is for him to seem like he’s part of the group and to be able to play alongside his friends and siblings. A lot of people get intimidated [about giving children with special needs gifts] and don’t know where to start, so this guide is great."

On teaching his children about acceptance: "No matter who you’re talking to or who you come in contact with — child or adult — look that person in the eye, treat them with respect, say 'please' and thank you, keep your hands to yourself. [Camden]’s been in school for the past year, so that gives him a chance to interact socially with so many different types of kids. It's an important lesson for all of us, but specifically for kids to learn to treat everyone with respect."

On buying his kids toys: "I think my wife is probably more guilty of this than I am, but we were discussing whether or not we need to convert a room into a playroom because the toys are starting to take over the family room — I just constructed a teepee this very morning, actually! To say that our kids are going to have a plethora of toys at their disposal is an understatement. We also try to make it a reward-driven thing . . . so I like to think that each and every one is earned."

On (subtly) influencing Camden with his favorites: "I got him his first Big Wheel — I have very fond memories of tearing around in my house with my Big Wheel, to the point where I tore through the front tire — he’s just now starting to get into that and get into cars. But my big thing is the sports angle, so any little ball, tee, bat set that I can get him, or a soccer ball or hockey stick; I’m trying to get him into that."

On the Toys"R"Us cover photoshoot: "The photoshoot to do the cover of this was an absolute joy. I got to spend the afternoon with some great kids, and we had a blast. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of something like this."