I don't know enough about these things (and it's not like they can tell me) but he's definitely got some developmental problems. He was severely overweight when I first saw him and couldn't even participate in class (he just ran around the room or would try to get into my bag). He got better rather abruptly at the end of summer, which is when I assume they put him on medication.

I agree with you on the friend thing. Mum used to drive me insane that way. One minute she's my friend, the next she wants to be an authority figure. Make up your mind. Japanese women tend to want to be good mother's and overindulge their kids when they're small. I guess to componsate before driving them like slaves when they're older.