unless it was a physical sensitivity (which we always respected), we just limited the choices to 2 things (this shirt or this shirt) for DD. whenever she refused the options entirely (which was a LOT when she was your DD's age!), we wouldn't really engage with it, but there would be natural consequences she could count on.

if we HAD to go somewhere like an appointment, then i would simply choose for her - making it clear that inconveniencing others by lateness was not an option. but if the situation was something like going to the park, we would just calmly wait until an appropriate selection was made. it didn't take too long for her to realize that if she wants the freedom of choice, she has to work within the boundaries!

she's 5 now, and fwiw i still don't take her clothes shopping very often - but when i do, she's totally got the idea that i'll probably only offer her "this... or this!" smile

Last edited by doubtfulguest; 06/18/13 08:30 AM. Reason: apparently today i can't complete a thought!

Every Sunday it brooded and lay on the floor. Inconveniently close to the drawing-room door.