So what is the question? As the obesity epidemic continues to spread, experts are advising parents that children need activity and exercise at a young age to help them ward off weight problems and health issues. So what are some of the best ways to help children get that activity and exercise? Well, you already know the answer.

There are all kinds of active play for children to enjoy: tag, running around the playground, riding a bicycle. One thing that children of all ages enjoy - and especially toddlers and preschoolers - is throwing, kicking or chasing a ball.

Now, plenty of parents are out there trying to turn their son into a left-handed relief pitcher or their daughter into a forward for Team USA soccer, but that is a different set of issues entirely - the athletic aspirations and pressures will come soon enough. For now, though, let's focus on the simple fact that there is something inherently fun about interacting with spheroids, big or small.

Playing with Balls

The ball game is already being played, even though the player can't even stand up yet, never mind run around. Of course, once they start running around, there is no stopping them.

Margolis notes that structured play as exercise is not really necessary for toddlers, as they are constantly on the move. In fact, parents get their fair share of exercise just trying to keep up with them. "Given the chance, toddlers will run, climb and explore nonstop as long as they are awake," she says. "Give them a safe place to play with balls or blocks, and they will burn off all the calories they need to." However, that safe place is not always easy to find, especially if parents are too busy or tired to take part in this type of active play. Too many of today's toddlers are placed in front of the TV or computer in an effort to keep them still and out of trouble.

Trish Muse, a mother and certified strength and conditioning specialist from Alexandria, Va., uses sports and fitness balls in her professional life, but she also incorporates them into her play with her young son. "I used to have a ball that looked like a puppy and when it rolled, it panted, barked and made noise," she says. "My son loved trying to catch it and loved hearing it roll across the floor."

Balls and Developement

Aside from the fun and physical development, Muse has seen that playing games with balls can encourage all sorts of positive emotional and social development as well. "Kids learn to take turns, play well with others and play for the fun of it without any labels or competition of any kind," she says.

While young children have an affinity for this type of play, Margolis advises that they will need some introduction as to how it all works. "Toddlers like the fact that balls can be thrown away and then come back to them," she says. "However, they may be afraid at first of balls being thrown at them, and they will need to learn gradually how to catch them. They start trying to catch balls with their whole bodies, then their arms, and finally with their hands."

In addition to sports balls, children also have fun with larger fitness or stability balls, which can be used for fun and exercise for children and parents alike. "Tummy time" is important for all babies, and using a child-sized stability ball to encourage the motor development prompted by "tummy time" can make the activity more engaging for an infant. This activity can be especially helpful for premature babies, as Muse learned from personal experience when her own son was born prematurely.

"The ball will encourage them to lift their heads against gravity and develop strength for head control," Muse says. "As the babies begin to place their hands down and push up to lift their head and chest, the ball is still a fun and effective way to develop these skills." With a parent's help, there are other ways that children can use a small stability ball, such as sitting on it instead of a chair. It is a novelty for the children, comfortable and provides a bit of a physical challenge as well.

There are few things in life more satisfying than playing with a child - not only is it pure fun, but there is also the knowledge that you are helping to put that child on the pathway to a happier, healthier life. From kicking a soccer ball to lounging on a stability ball, there are many ways to incorporate this simple, fun toy into any playtime.

In addition to everything else, you may also make some lasting memories of your time with your child, as Jennifer Margolis did. "I have a snapshot of my older son at home when he was just able to walk by himself," she says. "He has a big grin on his face, and he is holding a small ball in his upraised hand, looking as if he is getting ready to throw it. One of his first recognizable words was 'ball,' which he used to describe anything round, from a ball to an orange to a pumpkin."

"Play" just might be the answer. "Playing ball" might be an even better one.

Having a Ball

Parent and fitness professional Trish Muse has the following suggestions for fun and engaging games involving sports and fitness balls. Of course, parent supervision and involvement is a requirement for all activities.

• For children ages 10 to 18 months, place small balls (non-choking size) on the floor and a bucket on a higher level, like a couch or chair. Have the child squat down, pick up the balls and put them in the bucket. This motion will help to strengthen legs and buttocks and improve walking and balance.
• For children ages 12 months and up, make a ball pit for fun exercise and skill development. A small inflatable pool and some boxes of small (non-choking) balls should do the trick. This is inexpensive and easy to store when not in use.
• For children in the 24-month-and-older range, soccer balls are a great way to get kids moving, kicking and thinking. Don't just kick and chase the ball, try reciting the letters of the alphabet (or counting numbers) in sequence with every kick.
• Basketball is great for working on balance and hand-eye coordination. For children ages 3 to 6, set up a kid's basketball hoop and have them stand on one leg while shooting, or have them stand on a bench to give them a better shot at scoring a basket.