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:

IN THE BAG

Question: My son got upset when I tried to throw out my husband's ratty old childhood sleeping bag, and now he wants to sleep in it. Eww! How can I get this thing out of the house?

Behavior: Wants to keep an item that should be given away.

Problem: It's ratty and old.

Solution: Pick your battles.

Activity: If it's soiled or moldy, that's one thing, but if it's just worn out, what's the harm in letting him give it a try? Set the expectations beforehand. If you really want it out, make sure he knows that from the outset. How about giving it a one-night sendoff? That way, he gets to bond with his father's old bedding and you get it out of the house the next day. For all you know, once he unrolls it he'll think it's gross, too.

  • 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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