Every weekday at 3:42 PM, my son rushes home from the bus, usually loud and excited. But today was different. He came in quietly, holding a folded drawing, then sat silently beside his brother, eyes fixed on the TV.
When I asked about school, he shrugged and said, “Fine,” but didn’t seem himself. Curious, I unfolded the drawing — it showed him small and sad, overshadowed by his older brother, Lucas, who looked stern and distant.
I realized Max felt hurt by Lucas’s teasing and growing distance. I gently talked to Max, who finally admitted, “Lucas makes me feel like I’m not good enough.”
I called Lucas aside and explained how his words were affecting Max. At first defensive, Lucas eventually apologized and promised to try harder.
In the weeks that followed, Lucas made an effort, spending more time with Max and easing the teasing. Then Lucas got invited to a leadership workshop and asked, “Am I too hard on Max? I want to be a better brother but don’t know how.”
That moment was a breakthrough. I told him to keep listening and being kind—Max looks up to him more than he knows.
Slowly, Max grew more confident, no longer feeling overshadowed. Sometimes, a little guidance is all it takes to turn sibling rivalry into support and love.