I'm scared of our hamster! Help?

I have been thinking about getting a pet for a while, for my daughter mainly, but for me too - I did a lot of research and wanted a pet that didnt need constant attention and responsibility (ie a dog) I decided on a hamster, picked a lovely one out of the shop, brought a lovely cage, lots of wooden accsesories etc... On the way home it bit through the box and had to wrap it in an old carigan I had in the car, all its done is knaw on the wire bars... I saw it yawn and didnt realise hoe MIVE there teeth were... I had a friend with a hamster and it was a lovely little thing, used to walk freely out of the cage and never try and run off, used to sit in her pocket in the evening - I dont know how to get anywhere near that stage with 'Bertie' bcause im petrified :( :( :(