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:

COLD COMFORT

Question: Despite asking my son 47 times to eat his Popsicle over the table, he dropped it on the floor. How loudly may I yell?

Behavior: Dropped Popsicle on floor.

Problem: Mess and wasted food.

Solution: Don't yell. That might feel cathartic for you, but it's not what's best for him. Instead, karma has presented you with an opportunity to play the good cop.

Activity: Your child soon will be sobbing without any action on your part, so console him — the poor little guy just lost a Popsicle. Remember how traumatizing that used to be? He won't want that to happen again, so you don't need to go negative. Your dirty floors are not his primary concern, but fortunately, these two objectives — edible Popsicle and clean floors — go hand in hand. As he calms, help him clean it up and talk about how it might be avoided next time. Don't do a finger-wagging "I told you so." Just talk Popsicle-eating strategy like a good coach after a tough loss.

  • Want Rustin's solution for your child's challenging behavior? Read his bio and post a question at forums.minnmoms.com/index.php?topic=445.0
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