When we teach our children to give service, and care about people outside the family unit it also teaches them empathy. Service teaches them about diversity and to go outside their comfort zone. Children should be taught that the bedrock of civilization is respect for others, and gives the child a connection to the world around them and a stronger connection to the family.
Don’t give in to despair. You are much stronger and smarter than you think you are and can learn optimism. Find solutions for fear and model resilient behavior.