The Naughty Column: Playing hard to get could persuade child to get juiced about vegetables

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 HORSE TO WATER

Question: My son won't eat veggies, so I want him to try vegetable juice. But he won't go near it. How can I get him to try it?

Behavior: Won't drink vegetable juice.

Problem: Needs his veggies.

Solution: Play hard to get.

Activity: Drink it in front of him. Wait until he gets inquisitive. Respond nonchalantly that it's really more of a grown-up drink. If he doesn't get inquisitive, you can start to offer him some and then say, "Never mind, you're probably not old enough." When he asks if he can try it, say you're not sure. When he pleads, pour a little into a special glass. A shot glass works great if you have one. You can't make him like it, but you can give him a fighting chance.

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

-- Read the Naughty Column archive at minnmoms.com/naughtycolumn.