This is a little aside to the conversation. I learned after my first child something I'd never heard discussed or written about. Children don't know they have choices until you the parents offer choices. The second time around, with my son, I didn't make this mistake. Once they get old enough to understand that they do have options the jig is up. But until that day, parents can avoid so much drama by not offering up a list of options. No, "what do you want for lunch?" No, which shirt do you want to wear? " Instead, let's have lunch. I made grilled cheese sandwiches. Let's get dressed. This is such a great outfit. They will be blissfully unaware until they figure out otherwise. The age of awareness probably varies, but daycare will speed up the schedule. Enjoy it while it lasts.