Thanks, Ladies! I was just curious because I have noticed this "pattern" in difficult child- #1 the late winter/early spring nightmare, then #2 there is a Fall secondary "period" that isn't so bad, but I have to watch for school disruptions, and then I can't help but note that Sundays are difficult sometimes. When I first noticed, I really did think it was me because I am always rushing around trying to get things caught up before Monday (laundry, paperwork, etc), and then, difficult child makes issue because I drink beer (although it's not during early hours or bad times- he was saying that I yell during these times), so I didn't do that for a while just to see and he was still having a problem shifting gear (finishing homework, getting ready for school, winding down on time), but it has been an issue.
So, today, even though in his mind the problem is me, I didn't fuss so much when he didn't come in on time or when he didn't mind so well. (I started this early and could see him right in front of the house so I knew it was more of a minding issue than dangerous issue.) I just wanted to see if I could more accurately figure out the problem. I had him come in and unload the dishwasher then he went back out. I had told him not to go back out (mind you, I could still see him) and I fussed at him. he got po'd because I fussed and came back in and re-loaded the dishwasher with dishes he had just taken out. I made a joke about him trying to look like the innocent angel he was as a baby and manipulating me, which he laughed about (although, not in a defiant way- just like really in a laughing, bonding sort of way) then he came back in and unloaded the dishwasher again. I could have easily interpretted this as defiance, and I would have before now, but it really didn't look that way. I can't put my finger on it. I couldn't help but wonder what other difficult child's are doing and if other mom's are confused about what happens on Sundays.
The weird thing to me is that so much of it is how I interact with him, but the interaction that works isn't the traditional approach. It's backwards. difficult child took a shower, ate his dinner, brushed his teeth, went to his room, called for me to tuck him in, and has been there ever since.
I was just curious if others had similar experiences on Sundays and if the traditional approach worked. I'm really starting to get a little concerned that we are real odd balls! LOL! So, I guess I was wondering - even in the difficult child world, what is typical for them to be doing on a Sunday evening and what is typical for Moms to be dealing with and what has worked? All I can say about my son- during the times when he exhibits an issue, typical just doesn't work. The not-so-typical works like a charm.