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:

KNOW WHEN TO HOLD 'EM

Question: My toddler won't let me set her down, but eventually my arm gives out. How can I set her down without tears?

Behavior: Cries when set down.

Problem: Can't hold her forever.

Solution: Make down more desirable than up.

Activity: When you're just about ready to set her down, don't do it right away. Instead, start setting out some fun toys. Hold her near them so she can see, but don't lower her to them. In less than 30 seconds, she may start lunging for them. At that point, you should set her down. Those few seconds should make an enormous difference in how she reacts. And while it won't always work, it's not a one-shot trick, either. Occasionally, there will be tears, and that's OK. A crying child doesn't make you a bad parent. A big part of your job is to gradually teach her independence, and that won't occur in a day.

  • 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 on the Naughty Column forum.

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