Joanna Fortune: My teenage son is missing his big brother 

Child psychotherapist Dr Joanna Fortune gives advice about an evolving relationship between two brothers

Your youngest son needs to know that you understand how he feels and that he is not alone in his feelings. Picture: iStock 

My eldest son is in first year at college and living in student accommodation. He’s settled in well, but his younger brother, who is in secondary school, misses him hugely. During the first term, he came home almost every weekend, which helped, but between work assignments and student parties, he’s coming home less frequently. I’ve suggested the boys video call each other, but they said that would be weird. I’m at a loss to know what to do.

It’s obvious that your sons share a strong bond. Right now, their relationship is evolving, perhaps even diverging, as they are at different stages of their respective lives.