One of the major reasons so many children struggle with their weight has to do with a lack of activity. Children just don't run, jump, and play as much as they used to. They watch TV, use computers (even at the age of two), and are driven everywhere instead of walking. This sedentary lifestyle is as bad for children's health as it is for adults.

It isn't always easy to build activity into your day — or even into your two-year-old's routine. Many parents have to drive to health clubs, and classes (such as swimming, Gymboree, and yoga) are expensive.

The best way to get exercise is simply to build activity into your daily life and into the routine of your two-year-old. If you have to run errands, drive to a central place, park, and walk through town. After dinner take a walk as a family. On Saturdays and Sundays make plans that involve activity.

Promoting an active life is not just important for keeping your child's weight down. Active children have better moods, sleep better, do better in school as they get older, and retain their good health (assuming they remain active) into adulthood. It is up to parents to create active lives for their two-year-olds.

Turning Off the TV

A direct connection has been made between the amount of TV a child watches and his weight. This potential danger might seem insignificant to you when your two-year-old can't turn on the TV on his own, but it is not. Because if the TV is on in your house, even if tuned to adult shows, there is a good chance your child will be watching too much TV before too long. And that increases the likelihood he'll be eating too much while he's watching, not to mention watching inappropriate shows.

Getting Outside

When you plan your child's day, you can promote healthy and safe activity by including time outside as much as possible at parks, playgrounds, and in your neighborhood. Unless it's raining very heavily or is extremely cold or hot, your two-year-old will enjoy being outside. Just be sure to use sunscreen and clothing that is appropriate for the weather.

Toddlers love to explore the outdoors. Yours will typically do one of two things: He will move very slowly as he studies the bugs under the rocks, the rocks along the sidewalk, and each flower in every yard. Or he will run as fast as he can.

In any case, let your child investigate the outdoors in his own way (assuming he isn't running into the street). You shouldn't be worrying about your two-year-old burning calories or getting strong; just make sure he's spending his time actively rather than sitting too much.

Inside Games

You can also be active inside your home. Your two-year-old is likely to run around in the house if you let him, of course, but you can also help him to be physically active in a more constructive way. Sit on the floor and roll a ball back and forth between you, or get a large exercise ball and help him balance on it. You can play “Follow the Leader” and have him mimic you as you jump, walk backward, and hop. He may not be able to do all of these things, but after watching you he'll try!