Power struggles with your toddler will often test your patience, endurance, and sometimes your common sense. Both you and your toddler want to "win" in these situations, yet neither side is willing to compromise in order to reach a resolution. As a result, you may find yourself at your wit's end trying to deal with your toddler's constant desire to overstep her boundaries and making continual demands.

Rest assured that you are not alone. Power struggles are a normal part of your toddler's development, marking her first tentative steps towards independence. It is important, however, that parents learn how to deal with toddler power struggles in a constructive manner, or if possible, to avoid them in the first place.

Here are some simple ways you can overcome toddler power struggles:

• Spend Plenty of positive time together - You should set aside plenty of time each day to do pleasurable activities with your toddler, such as reading a book or playing a game together. Be sure to do things that both you and your toddler both enjoy, however, so that your toddler doesn't feel that she is being forced to sit still while you read a book to her.

• Create an environment that encourages your toddler to go along with your goals - Power struggles often revolve around body issues, such as sleeping, eating, and dressing. Try to offer your toddler limited choices in each of these areas that help guide her toward your goals, yet give her a sense of power. Instead of letting her rummage through her closet for an outfit, place three selections on her bed and let her choose from them, for example.

• Focus on what truly matters - Many power struggles between parents and toddlers aren't worth the hassle. Does it really matter that she wants to wear a sweatshirt in the middle of August? Will the world come to an end because she didn't finish her soup at lunchtime? Of course not. One of the keys to successful parenting is knowing when to forgo an argument. It is more important to focus on issues that genuinely affect your toddler's well-being and growth.

• Remain calm and remember that you are in charge - When you get in a power struggle with your toddler and overreact, you lose authority over your toddler. You need to demonstrate your authority by remaining calm and collected. Maintaining your composure will also show your toddler that her behavior will not elicit an emotional response from you, which may help lessen the likelihood of her repeating the behavior.

• Be Creative - Look for creative ways to obtain your toddler's cooperation. If you have trouble getting her to pick up her toys, try turning the task into a fun game. Turn on some music and tell her that she has until the song is over to pick up her toys, for example.

Power struggles between parents and toddlers have been going on for centuries. If you follow these simple suggestions and use a little creativity, you might be able to find a positive solution to the next power struggle between you and your toddler or avoid it altogether.