Children learn that they will be held accountable for each choice. It is a parent's responsibility to hold the child accountable. Choice without consequence does nothing to teach decision-making skills. Children learn that some choices will produce results that are not pleasant. We must be firm and allow our children to experience the emotional pain of learning from their own mistakes.
Experience is the best teacher only when experienced.
We cannot protect our children from painful lessons by telling them what they should have learned. As they get older, the same lessons will get harder and the mistakes more serious. Just for the record, not every situation offers the opportunity for choosing. The kids need practice making choices. If we want our teenagers to make good decisions, we must provide opportunities for practice when they are toddlers.