Part 2
If he's been really badly psyched-out or humiliated by his inability to learn at the same time as all his friends, you might have to do a little bit more extra: You gotta do this when no one is around or watching, and do whatever is necessary to take off the pressure for him to perform and do well. You might have to show him by example how to straddle-walk... use your own bike in the same way and lower your seat as well. Just straight lines, no cornering. Keep it in a flat and level area, preferably paved. Nothing uneven or sloped or bumpy like grass. Disrupt the learning activity frequently, have a drink or a candy bar, but don't get off the bikes while you're having a break. Let him realize that you're just hangin out with him.
Once he can balance the bike (not necessarily that same day), he'll soon get frustrated that the bike slows down all the time. That's the time to put the pedals back on... and he should be able to figure it out from there, in his own time.
Let us know how he gets on, when the time comes.
