So funny that you say that "protective". Yes, I very much so am of mine too. Lol, I don't like even hubby to use it. I do occasionally let my daughter use it if she is helping take pictures of the snakes. She has taken some pictures at the zoo. She has taken some pictures of her spiders. And I hover all the while reminding her not to drop it or touch the lens, lol (while slightly panicking inside :p). She does have a camera of her own to do whatever she wants with, but she likes mine better.
As far as tips, I'm not sure. I'm not a professional or anything. Just a girl with a nice camera that loves to take pictures. Heck, I still have not taken my camera out of auto mode. But I have been an avid picture taker her whole life, so she has grown up with me stuffing a camera in her face and watching me take pictures of everything. She seems to be developing a love for it too.