He doesn't seem to be scared of any other loud noise but he screams when we go to the store and pass by them. He also panics when we touch or go near our own vacuum at home. I just wonder if this is normal he's been scared of it for the longest time and still can't seem to get over his fear.
That is a very odd fear. He is old enough to talk about it. Ask him why it scares him.
Obviously most of the people who answered previously know nothing about children.. I have little sisters, and TONS of little cousins. Yes, fears of vaccums are actually rational because they know little about them except it is unknown and makes loud noises. So, a summary....Yes. I don't even HAVE kids and I know that. I was scared of the weirdest things as a child. I was scared of going under bridges and stuff because I was afraid it would fall on my car. Yea, your child is exhibiting fear.
I think all kids have some sort of weird phobias. My 5 year old is terrified of most toilets. She hates the self flushers. I have to sit on it behind her so it doesn't flush while she is going. I would suggest getting him one of those toy vacuums from the toy store. My daughter has one that actually picks up some things. If he can learn to help mommy vacuum with his own, he may not be afraid of them anymore.
Perhaps he's generally afraid of loud noises. He may not react the same way in your home because it's his territory and he feels safe there. Try to determine his fears concerning the vacuum so you can put to rest any unnecessary fears. My five year old daughter is very jumpy when she hears loud noises and she would immediately cling to me too.
My 5 year old is scared of the vacuum cleaner too. She's been petrified of it since she was 3 months old. Even after changing vacuum cleaners she still get terrified of it. Of course, she's a Golden Retriever, so that might explain it. Is your 5 year old a Golden Retriever too? You did not mention in your question whether you're talking about your son or your pet.
