EVERY MORNING AT SIX, THE ELDEST SON WOULD SLIP INTO HIS YOUNGER BROTHER’S ROOM — LEAVING HIS PARENTS SPEECHLESS WHEN THEY FINALLY DISCOVERED WHY

Later, when the boys were asleep, she peeked into their rooms. Everything looked normal. The nightlight glowed softly; toys littered the floor. But as she turned to leave, she caught her reflection in the window — and for an instant, she thought she saw movement behind her.

When she looked again, nothing. Just her son, sleeping soundly.

The next morning, he was already in his brother’s room again, sitting cross-legged beside the crib. “He didn’t come last night,” he said proudly. “I think he’s scared when I’m here.”

Her heart ached. Whatever this was — dream, fear, or something else — it was real to him.

That day, she called a child psychologist. Dr. Elaine Moran listened carefully as she explained everything.

“It’s more common than you might think,” the doctor said kindly. “Older children often create protective roles to manage anxiety — especially when there’s a baby sibling. It gives them a sense of control over safety.”

“So… you think he’s making it up?” the mother asked.

“I think he believes it,” Dr. Moran replied. “And that belief may help him cope with something he can’t yet explain. Don’t dismiss it — but don’t reinforce it either. Meet him in his world, then gently guide him back to yours.”

That night, she decided to follow the doctor’s advice.