As parents, we can take steps to ensure our kids stay active during childhood. For some, this means purchasing equipment or accessories to entice children away from the TV. Find out what exercise equipment can benefit your kids.

We all know how busy two-year-olds can be. In fact, parents often joke about how hard it can be to keep up with their little bundles of energy. But once toddlers mature into children, their attention often shifts to TV, DVDs, and even computer games. Time spent sitting increases, and bad habits start to form.

It's no surprise that our children are getting lazier at earlier ages. In March 2006, the American Heart Association (in conjunction with a fitness testing program sponsored by the Chrysler Fund Amateur Athletic Union) reported that 9.7 million youngsters between the ages of six and 17, are getting slower in endurance running and weaker overall.

As parents, we can take steps to ensure our kids stay active. Walk with your kids to the local park, sign them up for youth soccer and T-ball, and watch as they perform endless circles in the driveway on their big wheels, bikes, scooters, and inline skates. Limit computer and TV time and buy plenty of fruit, vegetables, and other healthy snacks.