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:

SHOP LIKE NUTS

Question: What can I do with my kids when my wife drags us shopping?

Behavior: Bored

Problem: Idle hands

Solution: Create a game.

Activity: Even if you don't have anything on you, see what you can scavenge. Recently, we had our children with us while my wife shopped at one of her many favored boutiques. I took them outside, where we discovered some acorns. From there, we developed a game in which we tossed acorns at a tree trunk. After each successful hit, we took another step back, making the next toss even more challenging. When my wife (eventually) came out, our children were in no hurry to leave.

- 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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