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:

JUMPING JACK

Question: Every time I'm about to take my son for some physical activity, he gets so wild he loses the privilege. How can I get him to chill?

Behavior: Wild.

Problem: Not listening and could cause damage.

Solution: Take him for some physical activity.

Activity: Don't punish yourself by preventing a kid with too much energy from using it. He needs to run around, and you need him to run around. Take him, and find a different punishment. Ideally, you'd anticipate his wildness and get him there before he loses it at home. But part of the problem may be his excitement and impatience — you won't be able to pre-empt that. Instead, you can take him to his activity and have him observe the other kids playing for a few minutes while you discuss your expectations with him. That's a pretty powerful deterrent that won't exacerbate the problem. Better yet, structure his behavior while you're getting ready to leave. How about some jumping jacks? These will keep him from greater trouble and even get him warmed up.

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

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