How to help my 7 year old son settle at school and make friends more easily

[BayBuzz]

I have a lovely 7 year old son who is pretty bright and quick thinking. He's very loud and boisterous at home and is quick to temper through frustration or if he feels unfairly treated.
We are quite strict with him and always ensure we are consistent when he needs bringing into line (which can be quite frequently as he likes to push the boundaries at the moment).
He moved school at Easter and I am worried that he is not making friends very well as he is quick to temper and also some of his class mates have quickly cottoned on to the fact that he is easy to 'wind up' and they tend to do so just for a laugh and to get him into trouble.
I really want some advice on how to help him handle himself better (at school and at home) and also how to keep him engaged as he is easily distracted.
Sorry if this is rather rambly and unfocused, I am just concerned that my little boy is not as happy as he could be and I am at a loss as to how to help him. He is starting to do more activities now (he has a pony and takes lessons, he is starting speech and drama at school this term) and I am hoping this gives him more confidence and helps him bond with his peer group but I still feel I could do more to support him.
Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me!

Have you asked his teachers how he manages at playtime? And also, have you invited any children home to play? That really, really helps...I had my older DD move school at the same age and I know it's hard. It took her about a year to fully integrate and to feel like she belonged.x

I did ask his teachers last term and they seemed to think all was OK in the play ground, other than the boundary pushing!

We are quite a way from school at the moment but I keep asking him who he would like to invite round and he just wants to see his old friends from the local school. I think maybe I need to do a bit more to find out who he is playing with most and then just arrange a play date and see how it goes.

He said to me this morning that he wished the shop sold confidence pills so I will also try and spend some time working on that with him - he's so lively and jolly, it's hard to think he may lack confidence!

I'll let you know how it goes! x

I would pop in to see the teacher...call ahead so she has time...ask her who he plays with, express your concerns. You may find that he really is ok...and that you're worrying for no reason.