Opinionated kids! Do kids really know what they want?

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Most times I let my little kid decide which movies she wants to watch, or even which clothes she wants to wear. In fact, she makes most of her own decisions. The only rule is that Mommy gets to decide on bedtime and matters of safety. Other than that, she's usually free to choose what she wants to do, as long as it's safe. This method might not work for every family. But, it works for us. I'd like to think that it's good preparation for life. My view is that kids need plenty of practice at decision making and lots of room to mess up, if they ever hope to mature into an independent adult. Otherwise they'll grow up, waiting to be told what to do next, instead of deciding for themselves. However, I know some moms who are just the opposite and don't let their kids have any say in the day to day decisions of their own lives. Some moms insist on dictating to their kids how and when things will be done. So, I was wondering, how do you handle this situation. Do you take your child's opinions as mere suggestions or give into their wishes trusting that they actually know what they want? Within limits, of course! How much authority do you give your children?