Book excerpt: Children have a strong need to be in control of their own lives. Power struggles between parents and children most often occur in the toddler and teen years, but can happen at any time. This book is for parents whose children push for control beyond the limits of their development and maturity or beyond the parents' comfort level.Without clear guidance from parents, children flounder. However, children who are allowed to make some decisions are more willing to go along with parents when it comes to big decisions concerning safety, values, and conduct. Everyone benefits when a battle of wills can be avoided.