[cdr25]

My second grade son is having some problems with some friends. He has been best friends with 2 other boys since kdg. This year they are kind of buddying up and leaving my son out at times. They also will tease him about being last of the 3 or having something different than them. It isn't happening alot, but enough that I'm hearing it about it. They are both nice boys and I think still consider him one of "them", but I think they have just become a little tighter because they spend afterschool together at the after school program (mine comes home since I am here) and they are both only children and get ALOT of the newest and coolest things to play with and compare. I have talked with him about how to handle it. He tends to get and act very sulky and poutty when he is upset. We've talked about how some kids feel cool when they know that they've upset others. I suggested he just act like its no big deal and say something like "forget you guys, I'm going to go play with Matt" or something like that would be helpful. I told him that maybe just trying to laugh at what they say and/or finding another friend to play with for that time might help things get better. Its hard for him though because he just REALLY wants to be with them and can't understand why they are treating him this way. Does anyone have any advice on how to help him deal and handle this better? I know its just part of growing up and being a kid, but it breaks my heart. I am realizing each year he gets older that HE has to handle it, I can't rescue him and solve it. I just want to offer whatever I can to help him have more of a plan with dealing with these type of things.