Maybe you could send your child to a play school, where he will meet children of his own age. There is nothing wrong in playing with an older cousin, but not if he is going to imitate his every expression and gesture. If you have access to a play school, you could send him there for a few hours a day. If that is not possible, organise for other children to come and play at your house or some suitable place nearby, at least once a week. Perhaps the mother should cultivate another interest, which occupies her attention for a small part of the time. The child will then learn to adjust to her, rather than expecting everyone to adjust to him and treat him as the most important person. Encourage the child's physical activity. Avoid giving him cola drinks. TV could be the cause of some of the insensitive behaviour, by having arrogant heroes.