My dear son is almost 4 and has always disliked being told what to do, but with a lot of humour, attention, love, firm boundaries and reverse psychology, we have managed to get him to go along with us most of the time. Recently however, things have taken a nose dive and I am starting to feel overwhelmed by the constant power struggles. I could give so many examples throughout the course of the day but here is just one: when in bed at night, he deliberately drops his comfort blanket on the floor and bellows until I pick it up and put it in his hand. He is not half asleep or too exhausted to move from his bed to get it - sometimes he will literally be standing over it, it is just another attempt at imposing his (strong) will on poor ole mum. If I just pick it up and chuck it back onto his bed, he will put it back on the floor and bellow until I actually put it back into his hand as directed!! I have been firm on this behaviour in the past and have told him that he can reach it easily and that if he wants it, he will have to get it, and have then held out to the bitter end after an eternity of shrieking and bellowing. But I am starting to lose my will! I used to be clever at managing these situations but I seem to have forgotten how to avoid these ridiculous battles. I do choose my battles with him and make sure he has the holy green spoon for breakfast, allow him to wear his coat backwards etc but I surely cannot let him get away with everything or else he is destined to become the next great dictator. Please, can anyone give me any tips on how to avoid these fights or tell me that it is a short lived phase etc etc. Desperate!