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You've received some excellent suggestions here. But I'll add one more.
Get a dog trainer to help you with this. You admitted that you are new to this - and that's a good thing! Every 'beginner' needs a teacher. You and your family need the dog trainer, and then the puppy needs you to train him how to be a good member of your family.
It will be the best money you've ever spent, and will eliminate the risk of the pup growning up to be out of control, messing in the house, nipping at the kids, then ending up in the shelter.
(I wish you had considered getting an adult, already trained dog from the shelter or a rescue group. With three little kids and puppy - that's just overwhelming for anybody.)
I just wanted to update: in regards to the nipping, I decided to hold Penny's mouth shut (not squeezing though!) and say no bite... I can now say "no bite" and she usually stops. Great improvement there.
This weekend we visited my parents and brought our puppy. My parents have 2 dogs. They all got along great! And I think Penny "learned" alot from the 3 days she was there because of my parents dogs. She really didn't have any pee accidents at all (Still working on the poop!) and since we have been home no pee accidents (knock on wood.) YAY!
We haven't gotten a new kennel yet (we just had a popup kinda one) but she didn't pee or poop in her kennel last night! Horray!
Thanks everyone!!!
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*update* It's getting better!
