What is the best way to respond when my child expresses fear or vulnerability?

The first thing you should do when your child shows signs of fear or vulnerability is to contain them, not correct them. Avoid the temptation to solve the problem right away or to justify their feelings. Say something like, ‘Thank you for telling me,’ ‘I hear you,’ or ‘That sounds scary.’ Do not sit over them; sit next to them. Help them identify the emotion while maintaining a composed demeanour. Instead of shame, this fosters safety. They grow to trust you and themselves more when they feel like their emotional world is accepted.