How to deal with 2yo "I want this" but I don't really!

[2littlemoos]

I offer her things or she asks for things. Like food for example. But then once I go to hand it to her she doesn't want it anymore.

I have been saying "don't ask for it then". And now I often just place it near her so when she protests I say "it's there if you want it". I don't have a battle about it but it is still frustrating.

What can I do? Or do I just accept it as a phase? So far it hasn't eased off at all and it's been over a month!

Stick to mealtimes!
If you want her to have a snack offer something you can have and she can share if she wants. So a bowl of grapes.

I put out a plate with some appropriate snacks and a beaker.
Breadsticks, cut up fruit etc.

Then if she wants something she can get it, if not, no hassle.

Tell her you'll put it in reach, but she's not allowed to touch it. Then turn your back

More seriously though we just got into the habit of asking a follow up question, so:
DD: I like pencil please
Me: would you like me to put it on the table or give it to you?
DD: holds out hand

She still gets to 'control' the interaction.

Sorry - the return button seems not to be working on the app which makes that really hard to read!

I use the 'in a minute' line quite a lot. If they ask again they really want it. If not hey presto!
It also makes me seem incredibly lazy

katyN it's all fine until they start using it on you! My 5 year old is always responding with "in a minute" because he's heard it so much from me!

As for the 2yo, I would continue with the no fuss response and she'll realise it's not an effective way of getting attention and stop - if that's the motivation. Three is no better...