Ohhhh I remember that one. We still get it very occasionally but there was a time when it was daily like you describe.

Like Rowellen, with food, I'm fairly cut and dry. I'd repeat the choice and her selection. 'You chose apple, I'm going to give you the apple now' as confirmation that I had heard her choice, and then that was it. Apple or no apple, the other alternative was off the table. I think if you go with it too much you're not empowering them so much as giving them power that they can't handle. They want to see where the boundaries are and if they're able to alter at their whim, it can get overwhelming.

And yes, with other stuff I'm more flexible but with clear limits. I will help you put on the clothes you choose, within a reasonable time frame, but I will not help you change into a different outfit 3 times. You've decided you don't want a bath now i've run it? Well you can have it now or after stories. Grrr. The last one makes me fume... but luckily DS is happy to jump in a bath any time and is even more pleased to have it all to himself! (which then gets her interest because he sounds so happy so she wants in too!! )