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:

FOOD FIGHT

Question: How can I get my kids to expand their diet?

Behavior: Limited diet.

Problem: Variety is healthful.

Solution: Find the fun in each new food.

Activity: Withholding dessert only goes so far. Find other reasons to try different foods:

Green beans: Can you hear them squeak against your teeth?

Asparagus: Does your pee smell any different?

Spinach: Do you feel stronger (works best after viewing "Popeye")?

Banana: How can you eat it like a monkey?

Carrots: What can you sculpt with your bites?

Hot dog: What happens if you eat it from the middle?

This way, it's framed not so much about trying a new food as trying a new food-related challenge. And your kids are more likely up for a new challenge than the new food.

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

-- Read the Naughty Column archive at minnmoms.com/naughtycolumn.

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