Let's take a time-out from time-outs. Kids are going to test our limits — it's in their job description. But instead of dreading how to respond, parents can seize the opportunity to create activities that are educational and engaging.

Yes, "punishments" can be fun.

Creativity expert, professor, father and former day care provider Rustin Wolfe applies his scientific techniques to some of life's smallest — but most exasperating — problems weekly at MinnMoms.com.

Here's one of his creative solutions:

Fashion emergency

Question: Before I buy my son new spring clothes, I want to figure out what still fits from last year. But getting him to try things on is torture. Do you have any suggestions for how can I get him to try on his clothes?

Behavior: Won't try on clothes.

Problem: Need him to try on clothes in order to make sure he has clothes that fit.

Solution: Reframe it.

Activity: Trying on clothes is no fun, but putting on a fashion show is another matter. And that's precisely how my wife tricked ... err... persuaded our son to try on his old clothes. After reframing the situation from a chore to an activity, she then put on some fashion show music and had him line up his action figures as an audience. All of a sudden, he couldn't wait to try on the next outfit.

Want Rustin's solution for your child's challenging behavior? Read his bio

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