Turn Common Discipline Problems into Games

I wish I could be this creative - second best is getting the ideas from others! This Parents article has six creative ways to tackle common discipline problems:

• Problem behavior: Not listening. Solution: Crank up the music and play "freeze." You child will get used to stopping on command.
• Problem behavior: Not sharing. Solution: Sit family members in a circle and practice taking turns with an undesirable item like a rolled-up sock. Everyone should hold the item more than once to emphasize "turns."
• Problem behavior: Ransacking cabinets and drawers. Solution: Take a tour of the house and say with exaggerated gravity "Not for Alex!" or "For Alex!" depending on whether the area is off-limits. This also works well at hotels and friends' houses.
• Problem behavior: Breaking delicate items. Solution: Use the "E.T." touch (as in the alien from the movie with his one pointy finger).
• Problem behavior: Not receiving gifts graciously. Solution: Practice ahead of time by wrapping undesirable items, opening them, and coming up with something nice to say about each one.
• Problem behavior: Inappropriate sillies. Solution: "Pocket" the sillies before entering a serious place.

This post is dedicated to my friend Patti, who also has a two-year-old runner - as in "runs off and doesn't stop when called to." I feel your pain, sweetie!