Dear SnH,

I have a huge problem. My fifteen year old brother isn't fasting because his friends don't and they think its "cool" not to. My parents don't know though because he acts like he's fasting and sneaks food behind their backs. He knows I know buthe doesn't seem to care much... What's worse is that we have a ten year old brother who copies everything he does and I don't want him to copy him in the future, he's setting a bad example! Is it just a rebellious phase he'll grow out of? I don't know what to do...please help!

Our recommendation? Talk to him first...as an older sibling and if he's giving you the "I don't care attitude" be firm with him in explaining that his personal choices are his own, especially when it comes to religion - but copying his friends is the first sign that he's doing something he's not convinced of and hiding from your parents means he feels bad that's he's doing something wrong. Also explain to him about setting an example for your younger brother not to just copy his friends and fall into peer pressure - especiallllly when it comes to religion because that's each individual's personal relationship with God.

Well that's our two cents, now see what Cairo has to say. Good luck!