“I Can’t Wan’t To”

My almost three year old has a new phrase she is using: “I Can’t Wan’t To”. While not a proper sentence, the sentiment I have gotten out of this new phrase and very frequent use is my little beginning to express her interests and desires. “I can’t wan’t to put my pajamas on” “I can’t wan’t to eat pasta for dinner”. What I find interesting is her desires and wants change literally day to day. Yesterday she wanted a hamburger, today only bananas. When I am in a flexible mindset and have the ability to move with her changes, I respond allowing her the space to make her own decisions. However, sometimes that is not possible. I just need to get moving or maybe I don’t have the ability to offer what she wants. So what do I do now that she is expressing her desires? I work to still allow her the feeling making a decision even if ultimately I am still in control. I offer her two approved choices. “You can choose bananas or an orange for snack.” This allows her to still show her independence and choices even without me bending over backwards to give her whatever she wants. Does this work every time? No but it does reduce 50% of the power struggles in toddlerhood so I will take it!