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:

MY WAY

Question: Every time my 9-year-old doesn't get his way, he gets mad. How can I explain to him that he can't have his way all the time?

Behavior: Gets mad when he doesn't get his way.

Problem: Can't always get his way, and anger isn't an appropriate response.

Solution: Stay the course.

Activity: Every child goes through ups and down with this. Just as it's our job to teach them they can't have everything, it's their job to see what they can get. It may be worthwhile to lower his expectations in advance of any problems you anticipate. You can try to explain as it happens, but ultimately, it's a matter of showing. It may be helpful to redirect him to times when he does have his way. Or you could even whine back at him about what you want in an attempt to show him what he looks like. But in the heat of the moment, the key is to clearly and calmly explain his options to him. Don't let his negative behavior fluster you. Don't ever give in. Just repeat his options, and let him know the consequences to each choice. Then, follow through. If you stick to this plan, the negative behavior will (eventually) stop.

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