"little brother syndrome".......

Our two kittens are experiencing,what we call, "little brother syndrome". Grace (12 weeks) and Harmon(8weeks), are newly matched siblings. She seems to be a kind of liason for her brother. He does'nt seem to respond to us at all unless she is around and cries and hisses when we go to pick him up ( if she isnt there)., "Is this normal?Should we separate them for a while? We want him to be a little more independent and socialize with us a little more. We know we post a lot of questions, but we're new parents."Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, your my only hope."

Personally, I wouldn't separate the cats. They are still pretty young, and the little one still needs the nurturing only another cat can provide right now. It would be pretty upsetting to the little one if he is that dependant on the older one at this time. Just give them time and it'll all work out. Don't force yourselves onto the little one or it'll take even longer for him to come to trust you. Just try petting him while he's eating, sleeping, and relaxed. It won't happen overnight, but it will work.