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:

AS YOU WISH

Question: How should I respond when my son threatens to stop playing with me if I don't do what he wants?

Behavior: Child trying to leverage parent.

Problem: You're the parent.

Solution: Obviously, don't give in.

Activity: Instead, tell him, 'That's too bad. I really like to play with you. Oh, well.' This kind of response does three things:

1. It lets him know you like to play with him.

2. It lets him know you won't be manipulated.

3. It lets him know he won't be getting a rise out of you.

There's no reason to get emotional. Just lay it out for him. Once he sees it's ineffective, he won't keep making the threat.

  • 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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