Firstly, apologies for the length of this. It's my first time posting, but I just don't know what else I can do other than seek advice from someone who's experienced similar.
I have a 9yo son, whom I share 50/50 with his mum(M(. At this other house he has a stepdad(SD) and a little sister(LS) from their marriage. In our house, its the 2 of us, and my long term girlfriend(SM).
Now to the issues, my son doesn't seem to like being at his mums, constantly complains about his LS and lack of sleep. He also has commented that he feels left out, and lonely as M only spends time with LS. Now, he is known to over dramatize and exaggerate small details, so it's hard to fully gauge or trust how severe this loneliness is, and speaking to his M about it is as useless as it gets as they don't see any issues. Son seems to lie 2 or 3 times a day, about small things that are insignificant, but appear to be to gain attention. He's impressionable, and doesn't seem to have his own identity, rather following attitudes found on whatever y**tuber he's watched, or friend at school. He also seems to crave attention from me, and I happily respond, with as many hugs, kisses and affirmations as I can.
Today, he heard a story of my friends child hurting their head last week before bed, and tonight at bedtime has complained to me via iMessage of a sore head (which I didn't see immediately), then crying outloud after an audible bang. I rushed upstairs to him saying he'd banged it on his headboard and it was sore beforehand, he's turned over and accidentally hit it. Now, this might not sound like a big deal, as kid's have accidents, but he's had this bed for 2+ years and never banged his head, but having heard the story, does it within hours. Another case of an insignificant lie, or care seeking?
I don't know where to go for help, or if he needs counselling etc? Any advice is welcomed, I just want my boy to be happy and healthy.