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:

16 GOING ON 17

Question: Why do I have to ask my daughter dozens of times before she actually does what I say?

Behavior: Not immediately doing as told.

Problem: Draining for parent.

Solution: Decide how many times you'd like to have to ask.

Activity: If your answer is once, then don't ask twice. When you ask 17 times, you are teaching her she doesn't have to obey the first 16. Let her know that, from now on, you'll only be asking once; let her know what will happen if she doesn't obey. Make sure you have her attention, ask once, and if your instructions are not followed, invoke the consequence(s). It won't take long for her to realize you really do mean business.

  • 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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