Creativity expert, professor, father and former day care provider Rustin Wolfe writes a weekly MinnMoms parenting advice column that uses creative punishments to put a positive spin on negative behavior.

Here's one of his creative solutions:

PAJAMA GAME

Question: How can I get my 5-year-old to put on her pajamas?

Behavior: Won't put on pajamas.

Problem: Needs to go to bed, and must put on pajamas first.

Solution: As Mary Poppins advises, 'In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and, snap, the job's a game.'

Activity: How about a guessing game? Let her pick out her own pajamas; you try to guess what she has selected. If you're not prepared to let her pick anything, you can give her specific options. Don't tell her your guess until she has put them on or you'll lose your leverage. If she's hesitant to play, try a little trash talk. 'I bet I can guess what you'll wear. There's no way you can fool me.'

  • Want Rustin's solution for your child's challenging behavior? Send questions to naughtycolumn@gmail.com.

  • Read the Naughty Column archive at http://www.minnmoms.com/naughtycolumn.
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