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:

A LITTLE FRIENDLY VIOLENCE

Question: I'm hoping to avoid a conflict. Is it OK for my son to play violent video games at a friend's house when he's not allowed to play them at home?

Behavior: Playing violent video games at friend's house.

Problem: Not allowed to play those same games at home.

Solution: Decide if these games are discouraged or prohibited, and stick to it.

Activity: Do you believe they're bad for him? If your rule is he can't play the games, then he shouldn't be playing them at his friend's house. You can speak with his friend's parents, and you can prevent him from going over to their house if they don't respect your rules. If it's OK for him to play the games at his friend's house, then why isn't it OK for him to play them at home where you can oversee them? Inconsistency sends a mixed message, and it's not rude to ask other parents to respect your rules with your child.

  • 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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