Though dancing is one of those activities that often comes naturally to people, your two-year-old will feel more comfortable if you get up with him and dance. Because small children have a low center of gravity (which helps them balance), when they move or dance to music it often looks as if they don't have a natural sense of rhythm. But actually, most children love being sung to, love to sing, and love to play instruments.

For years, children's music was limited to songs that weren't very appealing to adults. These days, fortunately, lots of talented musicians are writing songs for young children. There are even online and broadcast radio shows specifically programmed for children, including “The Playground” on Emerson College Radio (www.wers.org) and “Kid's Corner” on University of Pennsylvania Radio (www.wxpn.org). You can also purchase or download music specifically for your two-year-old, including songs from PBS's Sesame Street and by performers who entertain children specifically, such as Laurie Berkner, Dan Zanes, and The Wiggles.

Activity 1: Follow the Leader

You can do this with or without music, and it's a great game for outside. (You can also do it inside when it's raining and your child can't run outdoors.) You start out as the leader, so your child learns how the game goes. Tell him to follow you. You can start out marching, then you can walk in different ways: backwards, sideways, waving your hands, or clapping. Two-year-olds can't always hop or skip, but you can certainly do it yourself and applaud your child's efforts if he tries to follow you. Don't forget to let him try being the leader.

Activity 2: Exploring Instruments

If you have any instruments in your house that aren't especially valuable to you, such as guitars and pianos, encourage your child to play them, gently. Many children appreciate being allowed to touch something they know belongs to their parents, and it's better to teach them how to treat an instrument than simply to forbid them from touching it. You can also purchase easy-to-play instruments, such as drums, bells, cymbals, a xylophone, a kazoo, or a triangle.

Activity 3: Singing Songs

“Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” “She'll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain,” and “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” are all favorites of small children. Two-year-olds will often want to sing the same songs again and again, which is a challenge for you to bear since the songs themselves are already full of repetitive words. There are wonderful CDs with a variety of songs for children to help you provide your child with some variety, such as:

Doc Watson's Songs for Little Pickers

The Bottle Let Me Down

Classic Disney CDs

Keep in mind, though, that you do not need to purchase any music at all. Singing your favorite songs to your child will make her just as happy.