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:

REPEAT AFTER ME

Question: How can I get my son to listen without having to repeat myself over and over and over?

Behavior: Not listening.

Problem: Infuriating.

Solution: First, get his attention.

Activity: They can't hear you if you don't have their attention, so keep that in mind as your temper simmers. Yelling shouldn't be a primary option. You've seen teachers use techniques like silently raising a hand, but that's more effective in a group environment where someone is likely to notice. One simple trick I've utilized with my children is to calmly state, "I don't like repeating myself." Then say it again. And again. Do so until they notice. Then, when you have their attention, you can tell them the thing that you didn't want to have to repeat. The irony shouldn't be lost. It can be an effective way to turn would-be anger into humor, and to make a point at the same time.

-- 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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