DS is such a show off -intervene or is it normal development?

[SancerreMerlot]

DS is 5. Whenever he has his friends round he is the most awful show off. He constantly says things like "Look at me..." or "Watch this..." or "See what I have...". He will then create attention/drama, by refusing to play the friends games, telling then he is tired and is going to bed. When I say to him that his friends will go and play elsewhere if he naps he becomes very upset and says he is just joking.

I also notice how over excited he gets when he is playing with his friends. Jumping around, shouting, screaming, then putting on a baby voice too. He is just so different from this when he is on his own. He is a chilled out, calm child.
I have spoken to him about getting over excited but to no avail. My questions are: a) Is this just normal development and will he learn how to play without showing off/ over excited b) should I talk to him more about how to play with his friends, or will I be creating self-esteem issues for him?
I see his friends back away from him sometimes when he is showing off and I worry that as he grows older it is going to lead to other children taking the pi** out of him or his friends leaving him out.
Maybe I'm making a mountain out of molehill, I honestly don't know. Any advice gratefully received.

I would talk to him about it. Make sure you put a positive spin on it, and hand the responsibility over to him. Do you think you over praise?

Hi Mrsrufallo, thanks for replying. Yes I have been told that I am an overpraiser by DH. Does that lead to showing off? I'm such an idiot, is this cause and effect? Could you elaborate some more on how this happens? Also, if I stop praising so much will this help the issue. Much thanks

Firstly, you are not an idiot.Like all of us, you are doing your best. It's hard to find a balance when you are told to praise and never criticise! It is cause and effect because the is parroting what he hears from you.
You should read 'How To talk so kids listen'. It's a fantastic book about appropriate praising and independence. For the moment, I would praise only very specific things and in a very specific way (i.e I like the way you've drawn the sheep with blue hair). Also , let him hear you and your partner saying nice things about each other.

Other children are capable of commenting on his behaviour and if they do, he may moderate his antics.

I was a show-off as a child (only child but don't know if that has any influence). I suppose that it is still within me but these days I channel it with Am Dram! Could he do the same i.e. go to drama classes? I do not attention seek these days as I came to realise how much it irritated people. Your DS is only young, though and this is on the "spectrum" of normal behaviour.

Just asking, but does he get regular attention and praise from you and his father? (Not implying that he does not, just something to think about).