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:

BERRY SICK

Question: My daughter seems a little too curious about wild berries. How can I make sure she doesn't eat anything poisonous?

Behavior: Tempted by wild berries.

Problem: They're potentially poisonous.

Solution: Educate and role-play.

Activity: Engage her in conversation. Ask her if she thinks everything is safe to eat. Make sure she understands that some things — such as wild berries — could make her very sick. But that won't be enough for the lesson to stick. So, wait a few minutes. Then, look at whatever poison it is she was considering, and say, 'That looks yummy. Do you think I should eat it?' Hopefully, she says, 'No, it could make you sick!' Then, you can compliment her. But if she doesn't, then she has provided you with clear feedback that she's not ready to make those decisions yet, and you know you have more work to do.

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

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