Dr. Gordon Neufeld speaks at The Dalai Lama Center May 16, 2012 Addressing Anxiety: 5 Surprising Solutions to a Growing Problem Step 2: Provide a Sense of Rest and Safety
Protect what you are (the parent) without the "presence of being in charge." It means to guide the child gently without being overbearing in this context. You don't have to be their friend, but do your best to watch out for them.
