She's eight and terrified of the hallway to her room at night. And "just be brave, there's nothing there" never worked. Never does with kids.
So one night I told her I was a little scared too, and asked if she'd hold my hand so I'd feel okay. Her whole face changed. Suddenly she had a job to do.
Now she walks me down that hallway like a bodyguard, patting my hand, telling me it's fine. I'm not scared of a single thing in there. But she doesn't need to be brave alone anymore, and that's the whole point.