Just realized why my daughter covers her ears at the grocery store but not at home
Last week I was at the Kroger on 5th with my 9 year old daughter, who has autism, and she started crying and covering her ears right by the dairy case. I used to think she was just being dramatic about the store, but then a woman behind me said something to her kid like "it's just a fridge, calm down." That made me stop and actually listen instead of rushing her out. The freezer units hum at this low buzzing pitch, the carts rattle, the loudspeaker crackles, and somebody's phone was playing a video. At home we have soft rugs and quiet corners, no wonder she's fine there. I never noticed any of that noise until I stood still and tried to hear it the way she probably does. Now I'm wondering if other parents have figured out which stores or times of day are easier, because I feel like I'm just guessing every trip. Does anyone else have a spot they avoid or a trick that actually works?