It can happen anywhere, at anytime–your child wants something and you say "no." Before you know it, the arguing and negotiating have ramped up and you're in the middle of a power struggle. Fortunately, there is a fast way to fix the situation before the real tantrums begin. Here's what you need to know.

Why the battle of wills begins in the first place

Power struggles are an inevitable part of a child's development and are how children push the envelope so they can learn the boundaries in different situations. Power struggles happen because a child has hit the end of his rope verbally, physically or emotionally and isn't mature enough to know how to handle his big feelings and express himself respectfully at the same time, not yet. So he uses arguing as his method of communication.

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