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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:
Question: How can I persuade my son to get dressed in the morning? He'd rather be naked than put on anything besides his favorite shirt.
Behavior: Won't get dressed.
Problem: Makes us late.
Solution: Give him limited authority.
Activity: Like a good salesperson, give him choices where you can live with both options. This gives him a sense of control, but also creates acceptable limits. "Do you want to wear the red shirt or the blue shirt?" This can be posed the night before to save time in the morning. You can challenge him to see who can get ready first. And if he gets dressed with time to spare, there may be some reward in store for him.
