Signs Your Baby Loves You

How do you know your baby loves you back? Sweet, surprising ways she shows it

By Meagan Francis and Stephanie

Let's be real. Babies this little are not going to give you the kind of feedback you might desperately wish for after that grueling labor and those sleepless nights. But as you and your baby get to know each other, you'll get glimmers that a bond is forming and that can be more meaningful than a big declaration of love. "Attachment is a process," says Debbie Laible, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Lehigh University. When you take care of your baby, he falls more in love with you every day and says thanks in his own baby ways.

 => He knows you're you
“Within a few weeks, babies can recognize their caregiver and they prefer her to other people,” says Alison Gopnik, Ph.D., author of  The Philosophical Baby and a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. Partly, your little one's just following her nose: In one study, researchers put a nursing newborn between two breast pads, one belonging to her mother. The scent of Mom's milk was enough to get the baby to turn toward that pad.

Become the foremost expert on what your baby's various cries mean. Relentless and desperate usually means hunger, abrupt might mean pain, and more plaintive can signal discomfort. You'll figure it out through trial and error, eventually grasping nuances that will baffle outsiders. The better you know his language, the better you can meet his needs. “When a baby's distressed and his parents respond, he learns he can count on them for comfort and relief and that he matters,” says Linda Gilkerson, Ph.D., director of the Irving B. Harris Infant Studies Program at Erikson University. But don't worry if you can't always nail the wail: “You don't have to be perfect,” says Gilkerson. In fact, she says, research shows that caregivers are in perfect sync with their babies only about 40 percent of the time. What's more important is that you will learn to recognize and respond when your baby needs you. “Your baby learns ‘I can rely on Mom. Even if I cry for a little bit, she gets to me soon enough that I don't fall apart,’” Gilkerson says.

=> She'll totally flirt with you
“Within a month or so of being born, babies respond to the facial expressions of their mothers and without thinking about it, the moms start doing it right back,” says Gopnik. We're talking about the smiles, the meaningful looks, the coy looking away and back again (think back to ninth-grade study hall; you get the dea!). These goofy games appear to be as important in cementing a baby's attachment as your responses to her physical needs. At around 4 months, she'll also be unable to take her eyes off of you. And who can blame her? By then, she's gotten used to life on the outside, can suck and swallow and is physiologically more regulated (i.e., is no longer eating and sleeping like a jet-lagged traveler), so she can begin to pay attention to more than just her immediate bodily needs, explains Gilkerson. Flirt back—and don't be afraid to use exaggerated expressions. “Face-to-face interaction is part of how babies learn about positive give-and-take,” says Gilkerson. Your child's starting to realize that with a single look, she can show you how happy she is that you're around—and that it's a feeling worth sharing, since you'll beam back

=> He smiles, even for a split second
You know those people who say that your baby's early smiles are just gas or an involuntary reflex? Don't listen to them. Recent research indicates that an infant's grin may mean a lot more. The goofy newborn smiles may be your baby reflecting your own smile. He's instinctively building a bond with you. The first true social smiles start brightening moms' days between 6 and 8 weeks. Your baby may smile when he sees your face -- or Dad's or a big sib's. He's starting to associate your face with feeling good. The bond deepens!


=> He'll latch on to a lovey
Babies often pick a favorite object, like a stuffed animal or a blankie, at around a year old. Gopnik explains that these transitional objects symbolize you and your affection, which explains the histrionics if you—heaven
forbid!—put it in the wash for an hour. “It represents your love, but in a way your child can control,” she says. Let your child keep his lovey close by in situations where he might feel insecure, if that's possible. Don't worry that there's some set time to get rid of it, as with a bottle. Chances are he won't be clutching it as he
walks down the aisle on his wedding day (though, let's be honest, many of us still have Mr. Fuzzybear tucked away somewhere).

=> She stares at you, so intently it's practically rude
Right from birth, a baby can recognize his mother's face, voice and smell, says Laible. The next step is linking those sounds and smells he trusts with something he can see. That's why he'll start studying your face as if he's trying to memorize it. In a way, he is. He's making sure he knows what comfort -- and love -- looks like. So next time you catch your baby's eyes locked on you, give him time to drink you in.


=> He gives you smooches (sort of)
Sometime around a year old, your baby might start giving kisses—and they probably won't be chaste pecks. Expect wet and sloppy ones that land (sometimes hard!) on whatever part of you is closest. "When I ask my
daughter Evvi for a smooch, she crunches up her nose, tilts back her head and then swoops up to my face and plants her lips on mine," VA. "She totally melts my heart!" Evvi's enthusiasm shows she's been paying attention to the way her mom shows affection, and she wants to do the same, says Richard Gallagher, Ph.D., director of the Parenting Institute at the NYU Child Study Center. Babies are eager learners when it comes to physical affection, and there's no one they'd rather practice on than Mom and Dad. This is when it starts to get really fun. Babies past the 6-month mark are a lot more aware of the world around them and are developing new abilities practically every day. So your baby can now show her big-time affection for you in some pretty adorable ways:

=> She holds up her arms so you'll pick her up
Kerry Smith recently noticed that her 6-month-old son, Leo, has a new way of expressing whom he wants the most. "When someone else is holding him and I walk up, he'll twist his body toward me and hold out his arms," says the Prescott Valley, AZ, mom of three. Many babies adore being held right from the start, but it takes about six months until they have the physical and cognitive abilities to ask for a pick-me-up. It's a body-language expression of how much they've come to trust and adore their parents. And it can be enough, especially on one of those endless days, to make your heart lurch, too.

=> She'll pull away from you, and then run back
You'll start seeing this as soon as your baby crawls. “You're your child's warm, cozy, secure base. But she's also thinking ‘Hey, wait! I can crawl! I want to get out there and find out what's in the world!’” Gopnik explains. So she does, until she gets insecure. Then she's all “Let me go back and make sure Mom's still there.” Freedom to explore—and then bungee back to a safe place—is what this is about, so let her do it. Of course, for many moms, this is harder than it sounds. But instead of hovering, put your energies into some extra babyproofing.

=> She's bouncing, wiggling and cheering for you
The way your baby acts when she sees you after a few hours -- or a few minutes? You'd be forgiven for thinking you're a bit of a rock star. This glee isn't just cute; it's a sign of the deep attachment that's own between you. On the flip side are your baby's wails of distress when you leave. It's part of her development, and she'll learn that you always come back. She understand s object permanence now (you exist even when you're not around), so it's rough for her to know that the object of her affection is out there and not here to snuggle. Babies this age do their emotions big, so whether it's heartbreak that you're gone or earthshaking excitement that you're back, one thing is clear: You are loved. By a tiny, crazy little person, yes, but loved. As your baby goes from blob to bright-eyed to whirlwind, the way he shows his love gets more complicated, too. In the early toddler stage, your child is exploring his little world and testing boundaries and he relies on you—yep, because he loves you—to help him. It's a busy time for a toddler, and that's why the ways he expresses his love can seem indirect:

=> He does what you do
Whoever said imitation is the sincerest form of flattery must have known a toddler or two. Whether he's lugging a briefcase down the stairs or cooing over a baby doll, he's definitely showing how cool he thinks you are. Like all people—adults included!—toddlers imitate the activities and behaviors of the people they love most, says Laible.

=> Making a beeline for you when he's hurt
When Emily Cook of Calgary, Alberta, gets a scrape or a sniffle, nothing makes her feel better like rocking on her mom's lap. The fact that your toddler runs to you for comfort—and then can dry his eyes and run off— means he loves and needs you. Of course, you may also notice that your kid doesn't have to be that hurt to come to you wailing. Even a minor accident can make for big drama if Mom's around to see it. "Emily puts on this pout, coupled with dramatic sniffling. Then she throws in a big, unblinking stare that says 'Poor me!'?" says her mom, Heather. Yes, there's a plea for attention in there, but it really does make your baby feel better to get proof that you love him as much as he loves.

=> He reserves bad behavior just for you
What mom hasn't heard "He was an angel!" when picking up a toddler from a sitter, then witnessed downright devilish behavior mere minutes later? Toddlers test limits with abandon—but most often with those people they love and trust. This isn't exactly the warmest, fuzziest way your child will say he loves you. But that's exactly what he's doing. "You know you've done your job well if he can hold it together in public but saves his blowups for you," says Elizabeth Short, Ph.D., professor of psychology at Case Western Reserve University. "He knows that you're safe—he can act up and you'll still love him." You may never welcome a meltdown, but at least you can stop thinking your thrashing, screaming toddler is out to get you. He isn't. He just loves you sooo much.

=> He'll freak out when you leave
Starting around his first birthday, and often continuing until he's 3 or so, your child may get upset when you have to part—and rejoice when you return. “Separation anxiety is a sign he knows that the person he loves is different from others, and he's beginning to have object permanence—an understanding that people and things don't disappear the minute they're out of sight,” says Gilkerson. This is one behavior you don't want to reinforce. Because, let's face it, it can be excruciating to listen to your child's wails as you leave him in daycare. Offer reassurance: Say “I know you'll miss me, but Mrs. Rosie will take great care of you and I'll be back to pick you up.” Rest assured that he'll be fine, says Gopnik, and know that you're teaching him that he can count on you to come back for him later.

Must-Read Guide to Babies and Ear Infections

By William Sears, M.d.

"Doctor, I think my baby has an ear infection!" I hear this every day in my practice, and because ear infections are such a common cause of sleepless nights and missed work (not to mention just downright painful!), I spend a lot of time explaining what can be done to prevent them. Now, if you came to see me in my office (and you're always welcome to), here's how I would answer your questions.

Why are ear infections so common in babies?

Let's venture inside the middle ear to see how germs and tiny ears make such frequent contact. A canal called the Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the throat and helps to equalize pressure. But the throat, along with the nose, serves as a moist breeding ground for bacteria. Because a baby's Eustachian tube is short, wide and horizontal, throat and nose secretions—and any germs they may be harboring—travel more easily through it. Any fluid trapped in a cavity (such as the middle ear) acts as a medium for germs to grow, hence the frequent ear infections we see in many young children.

Why is it important to treat ear infections properly?

Your child's hearing depends on the proper vibrating of the eardrum and the structures of the middle. Repeated infections can damage the eardrum, while repeated fluid accumulation dampens the vibrations, both of which interfere with hearing. That's why it's imperative to take ear infections seriously, especially when your baby is learning to talk. Periodic hearing loss can lead to speech delays or even language problems that can affect her school performance later.

How can I spot an ear infection?

The following signs are babies' way of saying, "There's some painful stuff going on in my ear. Please take me to the doctor!" Early treatment makes for a better outcome, so if your baby has had several ear infections, learn to read his unique "sore-ear language." One sign you likely won't see is a fever. High temps don't often accompany an ear infection unless there's a more severe respiratory infection.

The nose knows In babies, middle-ear infections usually follow a cold, so what's coming out of the nose often reflects what's going on in the ear. A common scenario is that baby is mildly stuffy and has clear, watery nasal drainage, but isn't that sick—until a few days later when crankiness kicks in and the discharge becomes more yellow or green and snotty.

It's been a hard day's night

If baby is waking more frequently at night and seems to be in pain, especially with a worsening cold, that's also a red flag. As the infected fluid places pressure on the eardrum, he may not want to lie flat when napping or sleeping. To alleviate the pressure, position him so that the sore ear faces up.

The eyes have it

The rule in our practice is that when a parent tells us their baby has a cold and eye drainage, we see them that day. In the early months, eye drainage may simply signal a clogged tear duct, but when accompanied by a cold, especially in an older infant, it usually means an underlying sinus and/or ear infection.

If I suspect an ear infection, should I always take my baby to the doctor?

Usually. Ear infections are hard to treat blind—sort of like drawing a map when you're not sure where you're going. Your doctor needs to examine both the eardrum and the whole respiratory tract to make what is called the right "drug and bug" match.

Most mild to moderate ear infections will completely heal without the use of antibiotics, which is why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the "watch and wait" approach. "Watch" means to observe your child for signs that she is becoming sicker. "Wait" means the doctor may not immediately prescribe antibiotics for her, even if there is fluid behind the middle ear, unless she fails to improve on her own within two or three days.

He's tugging at his ears a lot, so why does the doctor say he's fine?

Ear-tugging doesn't necessarily signal an ear infection. It can be referred pain from teething or that baby is simply discovering his ears and likes pulling on them. However, if a baby has a cold, especially with nasal or eye drainage, and is pulling at his ears, the problem is likely not teething. Tugging, rubbing or banging on the ears can also be a sign that your child has some ear pain from persistent or chronic middle-ear fluid, a condition known as otitis media with effusion. In my practice I find that a mother's intuition is useful in alerting me that her baby is feeling worse. If you feel there's something more to your baby's symptoms, talk to your pediatrician.

How can I prevent ear infections altogether?

Now that you know how germs make their way into those little ears, here are some guidelines to keep that germy fluid from collecting behind your baby's eardrums:

Breastfeed: Mother's milk provides increased natural immunity.

Bottle-feed upright:  Feed baby in an upright position (at least 30 degrees) and keep her upright at least 30 minutes afterward.

Keep allergens at bay:  Irritants can cause fluid to build in the nasal passages and middle ear. Keep stuffed and real animals and other fuzzy things away while baby sleeps. And absolutely no smoking around baby!

Pass on pacifiers:  Studies show a correlation between the frequency of pacifier use and ear infections. Limit pacifier use to when baby is falling asleep at night, especially once she is 6 months or older.

Boost immunity:  Fruits, veggies and seafood have been shown to improve babies' developing immune systems.

She'll outgrow it:  The good news is that as your child grows, the eustachian tube becomes longer and narrower, and slants more acutely, making it more difficult for germs and fluid to collect in the middle ear. At the same time, her immune system matures, minimizing those pesky ear infections.

Baby Massage Techniques

Soothe your baby with these step-by-step instructions to baby massage techniques. Plus, watch baby and infant 

We've simplified baby massage into six simple strokes. Perform each one slowly, for about a minute, using moderate pressure applied with the pads of your fingers, not the entire palm of your hand. Keep your baby cozy by turning up the heat in the room and using a soft towel to cover her exposed skin.

Before you get started, make sure you have the following gear nearby:

• A comfortable flat surface covered by a blanket or a mat
• A small amount of baby oil (olive oil works well, too)
• Tissues or paper towels to wipe up excess oil
• A soft towel or blanket to cover your baby
• A pacifier, if it's calming for your little one
• Low lights
• Soft music

1. Lay your baby comfortably on his stomach, with his head turned to one side.

2. Pour a few drops of baby or olive oil on your hands, and rub them together to moisten them.

3. Begin stroking from his forehead over the top of his head, then down to the nape of his neck.

4. Stroke across each shoulder from the center of the neck out to the arm, one side at a time.

5. From the top of your baby's back, massage down to his hips with both hands, being careful to avoid the spine.

6. Run the pads of your fingers down the back of your baby's legs at the same time, then go back up again.

7. Repeat the same stroking motion on the back of your baby's arms.

8. Turn your baby over onto his back. Repeat the down-and-up strokes on his chest and the front of his arms and legs.

Six road trip-friendly snacks your kids will love

Taking a road trip with the entire family is supposed to be a fun experience, so keeping the "hangry" out of the car is a must. That's why we partnered with Hormel Foods for this post.

While loading up the car with everything you need for your next road trip, create an easy-to-grab tote filled with snacks for your kids, too. Along with taking up hardly any space, this basket is stuffed with protein-filled items that keep your child fueled — and the travel-friendly options are so fun! You might find yourself sneaking a few nibbles too.












1.Frozen Fruit
Along with keeping things cold, frozen fruit is also fun for munching. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes from watermelon or honeydew, and toss them in a plastic bag alongside grapes, blueberries or even strawberries. Freeze overnight then use as a cold pack for other basket items.














2.Strawberry-Oatmeal Muffins

Made with kids in mind, these strawberry-oatmeal muffins have a sweet pop of strawberry but are made with oatmeal, filling hungry tummies. And this is an easy recipe you can enjoy making together.





3.Snack Necklaces
Place small bites with holes in a bowl and invite your child to thread the snacks on a length of cotton twine. And making an edible necklace together gives you a chance to talk about all the wonderful adventures you'll have on your road trip!





4.High-Protein Wrap
And nothing beats a high-protein snack that really takes care of fussy kids while hitting all their cravings like a Hormel REV wrap. Place over the frozen fruits and it's nice and cold when your child is ready to eat.





5.Mini Snack Bar
Head to the dollar store and pick up a weekly medicine container to use for creating a personalized mini snack bar for your child. Fill with nuts, yogurt-covered raisins, even banana chips. Just remember to fill appropriately based on your child's age to avoid any choking hazards.





6.Peanut Butter Cup
Don't toss that empty peanut butter container! Use for housing nibbles that are encased in their own carrying case. Fill the base of the container with peanut butter then add carrot, celery and pretzel sticks. Yum!

Six reasons water is the best drink for your children

Water comprises an estimated 65% of the human body. This percentage is even higher among babies and small children. When you hear statistics like that, it’s easy to understand why it’s recommended we drink a certain amount of water each day. Without it, we’d dry up. As a kid, though, with growing number of options for brightly colored, shiny packaged juices and sodas, why would you want to drink water at all? Well, not that you can reason with your child, but maybe knowing how water can help your child will help you steer them towards a 

healthier thirst quencher.

1. Plain and simple – water makes your child’s body work better. 
When children are dehydrated, they will feel and act tired and not perform as well. 
When they are hydrated, they will be able to run faster, jump higher, climb better. You see, muscles are made out of 79% water, blood is 80% water and bones are 22% water.


2. Water makes your child think and learn better. 
The brain is made up of 75% water.
Dehydration makes your child moody and their brain just doesn’t think right.


3. Water makes your body healthier. 
Water helps clean out the garbage of the body like the toxins and poop. (Kids find this funny.) Constipation is a sign of dehydration.


4. Water makes your skin healthy and not itchy. 
Dehydration causes the skin to be itchy and dry.


5. Water makes you breathe better.
If your child has a cold or fever, their body needs more water. Fever causes water loss. If your child has a cold, water helps the mucus membranes keep the secretions from clogging the airways. It’s the best cough medicine!


6. Water keeps you from overeating.
Dehydration can be confused with hunger.

Suggestions for you and your family:

Having glass or stainless steel water bottles around the house, in your car, at your desk, bed side table, etc. If you prefer cold water, have water bottles in the fridge for you to grab. Flavor your water with lemon wedges, mint, oranges, cucumber, or watermelon and pineapple rinds. Experiment to find your favorite taste.

Keep a LARGE water jug on the kitchen counter so everyone can get their own water. When it is easy to see and get to, it’s likely everyone in your family will drink more.

Serve water-rich foods like watermelon, soups, and fruit filled smoothies.

Ten things to know about newborns

Here are a few basics you need to know about your new arrival.

By Tricia O'Brien from American Baby


1.Baby may be, well, a little funny-looking.
His head may be smooshed from his journey through the birth canal, and he might be sporting a "bodysuit" of fine hair called lanugo. He could also be puffy-faced and have eyes that are often shut (and a little gooey). 
After all, he just spent nine months in the womb. But pretty soon, he'll resemble that beautiful baby you  imagined.


2.Don't expect rewards -- smiles or coos -- until about the 6-week mark.
Up until then, you're working for a boss who only complains! To get through the exhaustion and emotional 
upheaval, keep this in mind: your efforts aren't lost on baby in those early days. "He feels comforted by his 
father or mother, he feels attachment, he likes to be held," says Los Angeles-based pediatrician Christopher 
Tolcher, MD.


3.Give baby sponge baths until the umbilical cord falls off.
If it's kept dry, it falls off faster -- usually within two weeks. Besides, newborns don't get very dirty! If the 
cord does get wet, pat it dry. And if the stump bleeds a little when the cord falls off, that's okay, too, as 
Alyson Bracken, of West Roxbury, Massachusetts, learned. "It scared me at first," she says, but then she 
found out that, as with a scab, mild bleeding was normal.


4.The soft spot can handle some handling.
"I was terrified of the soft spot," admits April Hardwick, of New York City, referring to the opening in the 
skull, also called the fontanel, which allows baby to maneuver out of the birth canal. "Gemma had a full head of hair at birth, and I was initially afraid to comb over the soft spot," Hardwick says. But there was no need to worry: "It's okay to touch the soft spot and baby's hair near it," says Tanya Remer Altmann, MD, pediatrician and author of Mommy Calls. The spot may pulsate because it's directly over blood vessels covering the brain.


5.She'll let you know if she's getting enough food.
Baby needs to eat every two to three hours -- but if you're nursing, it's tough to know how much milk she's 
getting. "The baby's weight is the best indicator in the early days," says Dr. Tolcher. Your pediatrician will 
check it within a few days of discharge. A newborn loses 5 to 8 percent of her birthweight within the first 
week but should gain it back by the second. Diaper-counting can also act as a gauge: her schedule those first five days is haphazard, but after that, you'll see five to six wet diapers a day, and at least one or two stools.
There's no doubt that babies poop -- a lot! If you're still getting the hang of diapering, learn how to change 
one at 6 weeks.


6.Dry skin is the norm for newborns.
Initially, he may be soft and silky, but that changes. "If you soaked yourself in liquid for nine months and then
hit the air, you'd be dry too!" says Laura Jana, MD, pediatrician and coauthor of Heading Home With Your 
Newborn. You don't have to do anything about dry skin (it typically peels and flakes off), but if you're so 
inclined, reach for a hypoallergenic baby lotion that is fragrance-free. Little pink bumps, diaper rashes, and 
even baby acne may also make an appearance. "Acne tends to last for a few months," Dr. Jana says. "So get those cute newborn pics before one month!"


7.You don't have to hole up at home.
"Lead a normal life, but use common sense when you go out in public," Dr. Tolcher says. Keep baby out of the sun, and avoid sick people (no toddler birthday parties!) and crowded enclosed spaces (such as the mall during the holidays). "Teach older siblings to touch baby's feet instead of her hands and face, which will help prevent the spread of infection," he adds. And make your older child the hygiene police, says Dr. Jana. He'll love telling guests, "Don't touch the baby without washing your hands."


8.Babies cry a lot -- that's how they communicate!
Their piercing wails will let you know they're hungry, cold, have a dirty diaper, or want to be held. These early "conversations" can be frustrating, but rest assured, you'll get a better handle on what she needs in time. Laurie May, of Boardman, Ohio, and her husband quickly learned to read their daughter's hunger signal. When they were brand-new parents, they set an alarm to go off every two hours to wake Carter for a feeding. "We did not need the alarm!" she says. "We love to laugh at that one now."


9.Newborn babies also sleep a lot -- but not for long stretches.
Those first three months are a free-for-all. Baby needs to eat every two to three hours, so you're not getting 
much sleep either. "It does get better," assures Dr. Altmann. "Most infants can sleep for six to eight hours by
3 months of age." In the meantime, try to get baby on a day and night schedule: during the day, don't let him 
snooze more than three hours without waking him to feed; at night let him sleep as long as he wants once he's regained the weight he lost at birth. Some babies sleep more soundly when they're swaddled, so watch our video for the best technique to secure baby like a burrito!


10.The newborn stage is fleeting.
Stressed, tired, and lonely? Yes, those early days are hard. But they'll soon be behind you. Barbara Evans, of New York City, says, "I wish I'd known how quickly the time goes." The mom to Luella, 8 months, says, "I didn't take enough pictures or keep notes!" Rabeea Baloch, of Sugarland, Texas, shares some veteran-mom experience: "With my first, I stressed over every single thing, from changing diapers to whether baby was crying more than usual. With my second, I just enjoyed holding her, smelling her, kissing her, and loving the time together."

How to Get Kids to Unplug in the Great Outdoors

Get your kids and teens engaged with nature and not their screens by offering them enticing age-appropriate outdoor activities.

By Ellen Sturm Niz

When the school year comes to a close and summer starts, parents everywhere wonder, "How do I get my kids to go outside and play more?" Whether your child has a Minecraft obsession or is a teen texter extraordinaire, getting our offspring to put down the iPads, cell phones, and other gadgets to engage with nature and the other humans in their families can be a frustrating experience, to say the least.

"It's so important for parents to get that quality time with their children and each other," says Jennifer Ludovice, spokesperson for Thousand Trails and Encore properties' campgrounds and RV parks with resort-style amenities. "We see the benefits of families unplugging together at our campgrounds and resorts every day. Putting away the cell phone gives families a chance to re-engage."

There may be some initial whining and complaining about "roughing it" without screens, but children can be convinced to unplug when presented with the right alternate activities.

"The key is choosing the right destination," Ludovice says. "You won't have much luck convincing children to put away the gadgets if there aren't other activities waiting for them when they get there."

Plus, you don't have to banish cell phones altogether, which is not likely to go over well—especially with today's teens. Instead, let them share their outdoor adventures on social media or have a limited amount of screen time after the days' activities are over.

"Consider setting 'technology time' at a regularly scheduled time when the whole family can take a few minutes to check in," Ludovice recommends. "This encourages them to spend more time talking and less time typing."

Choose a park, nature destination or campground that offers a wide variety of fun for all ages and interests so kids can get engaged in activities they enjoy, Ludovice suggests.

"Many campgrounds have kid-friendly activities planned for nearly every hour of the day, from nature walks to cook outs, Olympic-sized pools to horseback riding," she says. "We often find that parents have just as much fun as the kids do when they participate in activities, and it's a great way to reinforce that common ground with your children—and remind them of how fun you are!"

Because kids ages 8 to 10 have an insatiable curiousity, Ludovice recommends using this to your advantage when offering outdoor activities to them.

"Many camps offer staff-lead nature walks, and these are perfect for young children to get their hands dirty," she says. "Let them explore, taste and touch under the supervision of an expert familiar with the natural habitat. It's also a great way for them to find a souvenir to bring home."

Give tweens a bit more of the freedom they so desperately desire and offer them activities that let them show how responsible and useful they now are.

"Children ages 11 to 13 can do more meaningful tasks at the campsite," Ludovice says. "Look for activities that let them participate in things like cowboy-for-a-day or ranch hand programs. These allow kids to have a unique experience and gain self-confidence doing something new."

Older teens will naturally want to assert their independence, so give them some space on a guided horseback ride or tubing lesson, Ludovice recommends.

"Having time to themselves doing something active will give them a unique and memorable experience that they can brag about to their friends later," she says. "Maybe they'll even tell you about it at the campfire that night!"

Putting the effort into getting your kids and teens outdoors and engaged in nature instead of with their gadgets is worth it—not just for their developing brains and bodies but for your family's dynamic as well.

"It's amazing to see the transition in how family members relate to one another from when they arrive at the campground to when they leave," Ludovice says. "There is something about getting back to basics that really changes the way our visitors connect with each other."