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:

Question: Sometimes, the only way to get my infant to stop crying is to swing him in his car seat, but I can't swing him for more than a minute without pooping out. How can I swing him to sleep?

Behavior: Swinging stops crying.

Problem: Swinging fatigues parent.

Solution: Lean for better technique.

Activity: Aren't infants great for upper-body strength? When an actual baby swing isn't an option, swinging them in their car seat may work - another option is going for a drive, but swinging uses less gas. Swinging while standing upright puts all the strain on your back. Leaning against the wall with one arm, while swinging with the other, shifts the weight to your shoulder. You should be able to last much longer. When you want to stop, don't do it abruptly. Slow gradually. Even as you (finally) set him down, it's wise to rock to a stop.

-- 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.

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