Its true about what ^ said.Sorry,I can't spell the name good.If you want to help him get some self confidence,ill help.First of all,command the kid to do something,if he doesn't stand up to you,dont let him know you were testing him.Command him to death or until he gains the confidence to stand up to you.Its a little strategy I call,"tough friendship".That way,the friend will have some confidence and stand up to his parents for once.