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:

WHEN I'M FEELING BLUE

Question: How can I stop my toddler from holding her breath when she's upset?

Behavior: Holding breath.

Problem: Turning blue.

Solution: Ignore.

Activity: My younger sister went through this phase when she was 2. My mother, a veterinarian, didn't flinch. This particular form of tantrum is self-correcting. Respiration is autonomic. If she holds her breath so long that she passes out, then she'll just start breathing again — no problem. Just make sure she's not standing near any stairs.

  • Want Rustin's solution for your child's challenging behavior? Send questions to naughtycolumn@gmail.com.

  • Read the Naughty Column archive at www.minnmoms.com/naughtycolumn.
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