Result of brainstorming....

Younger Boy has an "addiction" to being the victim and receiving attention in that way.  When he acts like he is helpless he gets attention.  They surmise that the first time he EVER received positive nurturing was when he was in the hospital having the gash on his head repaired.  He was cuddled and comforted.

That scar and talk of that scar still get a similar reaction.

Acting much younger than your age and helpless USED TO get you the attention you are craving...much like an addict, but it isn't working anymore.  In many ways it backfires.

We talked to him about it.  I think he sort of gets it...so...we are going to practice other ways.