Can kids really get "sensory overload" just going to the Supermarket ??

[maltesers]

Someone here mentioned that she doesnt like taking her child (normal i think) to the supermarket because he gets sensory overload . Can this happen so easily. ? AIBU to think it may just be a trendy modern 2010 term and that the child is just getting out of control over a normal daily event ??

I guess it depends on the child. A child eith SEN may well find a supermarket hard to cope with.

I take mine to thr supermarket with no problems at all, what with the free grapes and handy baguettes they provide.

Eh? Mine have always loved going to the supermarket, sitting up in the trolley lots of people/things to see and chat about. Does sound like a trendy term to me, at least for a child with no sn, I would imagine.

Have to say though I never cease to be amazed by parents who make such a big deal at the most simple of tasks/trips out with their dc (so shoot me)

what is sensory overload ? no, i know what it is. but in relation to SEN children that is understandable. the use of it for normal everyday activities with non SN children, I'm sorry but i just don't understand.
why would a normal toddler or child be overloaded by going to the supermarket ?

'Have to say though I never cease to be amazed by parents who make such a big deal at the most simple of tasks/trips out with their dc (so shoot me)'

Make a big deal out of it in what way?

depends on the child. one of mine is particularly sensitive to noise etc, and things like supermarkets can be difficult

also depends on their age etc

Depends on the age, I would think.

DD1 is an extremely sensitive child, and as a baby would freak out within minutes of going into a supermarket - all the beeps and bright lights etc. Once she got a bit older, about a year or so old, she was increasingly fine (plus distractions like raisins started to work!). DD2 is a completely different type - more 'normal'- and never any problem.

If its a toddler/child they are talking about, then I would think no, unless SN.

If a child is tired/hungry, or with energy to spare (a toddler having been sat in all day for example), then a trip to a supermarket might be hard for them (and their parent)to deal with

Definitely depends on the age IMO. If by sensory overload you mean overstimulated, then yes a small baby could get sensory overload at the supermarket.

I get sensory overload when I go to Wal-Mart in the US - I need sunglasses and loads of water to avoid migraines.

Supermarkets in general just make me cross but my dc are fine as long as we're in and out quickly. But not my idea of a good day out for anyone in their right mind.

It also depends on the time you go to the supermarket - if it's exceptionally busy that won't help.

DS2 struggles with unpredictable noise, on a bad day he also struggles with too many different things which, obviously in a supermarket, there are billions of different things!

He goes into sensory overdrive - touching and making noises and running around.

But then he does have sensory issues anyway.

YesYouMust For example, I have a friend who cannot take her (perfectly normal) pre schooler out without her dh because she cannot cope with him "getting in and out of his pushchair". Is that really a reason to not go anywhere and have days out? To me, that is what small children do, yes it is a pain, but you deal with it, and how else do they learn?

Obviously I am only talking about children with no sn, which is what the op said she was referring to. Maybe I misunderstood.