Son is a bad friend on playdates

[Quinquennial]

When my son (age 6) has his friend round to play after school my son is often quite mean to his friend, and I'm worried my son is a bad friend. They will play nicely for a bit, but then my son will get irritated with his friend not playing the game the way he wants, or picking up his favourite toy, and starts going off in a huff or saying 'you're not my friend'. I reassure the other boy who is understandably upset, and make sure my son apologises to him, but the playdate often ends with me or my younger son playing with the friend and my 6 year old son watching tv alone. I have to sit with them through the whole playdate to keep the peace and keep suggesting new activities etc. I dread to think what he's like at school. The teacher says he plays well at school and has a good group of close friends, but I'm worried he's going to alienate them by being so grumpy and snapping with unkind words when he's annoyed. Does anyone have any suggestions how I can help him be a good friend?

IT sounds like he might be getting tired and overwhelmed with having to share all his precious things. Maybe try a shorter playdate (get the other Mum on board as to why)

Or it could be a issue with possesiveness. before the playdate happens, ask your ds which toys he is happy to share and which ones he isnt. Then put the ones he doesnt want to share in your bedroom for safe keeping and explain that you wont get them out at all during the playdate. Then do some role playing with him being the nice friend and you being the unsharing rules changing one, then switch roles, then switch again. Try and ham it up a bit and make it funny etc

Thanks SeaToSki that's really good advice :)