Sad and sullen 7 year old.... I don't know what to do

[Socksey]

Hi,
I have a DS, who is 7.... 8 in a few weeks.
He is normally a cheerful and happy / contented little boy.
Over the last few months he's been having a lot of nightmares. He has also been quite tired and has grown quite a lot over the last year or so but nothing to cause any major worry. He is quite active with sports outside of school. He seems to enjoy school and he has a few friends but he's not one of the 'popular kids'.
His dad works away and we haven't seen him since Christmas, although we all talk on the phone every day.....
Long but setting the scene a bit.

Over the last 2 weeks he is sad all the time and looks exhausted one minute and fine the next. He's dragging himself around and people that know him are even commenting on it.
On the other hand, I mentioned it to the teacher and she's noticed nothing (small class of 12)....
He seemed fine this morning but as we went to get his school bus he became very quiet and sad again but didn't show any reluctance to go either.
I don't know what to do.
Any ideas ... please?

[CaptinMuma]

My DD now 9, started acting different around the same age I even asked the doctor for advice, hormones, the only answer i got. It just takes a bit getting used to, try some one on one special time, do something different and hopefully he starts to relax and open up to you. Good luck x