He's been holding it together in an unfamiliar and probably much more structured place all week. It's not unusual for a kid to let go of the reins when he gets home and doesn't have to anymore.
A routine that worked for us is to get the kids in the door (and into play clothes if necessary), give them a quick snack, and then let them "run the stink off 'em", as my grandmother would have so charmingly put it. Playing outside is an option; now that my kids are older they go in their rooms or head for the XBox. Homework or practice is slightly more palatable after a break.
Being mean to siblings is, of course, never acceptable behavior, but as long as you don't allow it, this too will pass fairly quickly. If there's a younger, non-school-attending sister or brother they may want to pounce the minute Big Brother walks in, but in this house, that's never ended well. The big kids need some space for a half four or so.
Last edited by eldertree; 08/06/12 06:31 AM.
