It can be hard if they are just always surly and hard to live with!
But that is the thing - it is not always! It is a roller coaster!
One thing that I have noticed is that the bahavior/bad attitude seems to be less of a problem when DS keeps very busy, working on a project, finishing something - in other words when his days are very structered. When there is more of a slow down, days are less intense and I forgo the daily routine (or strictness of it if you may), he falls apart and starts having attitude problems.
I catch him being good Kriston frequently and I comment on his good, grown up behavior. There is not a lack of praising in this house, I assure you. I refuse however to become too emotionally (read verbally:-) involved when his attitude becomes terrible.
