I don't know if this is something that all boys go through where they challenge authority at age 6, or if it is related to being bored, under-challenged, or lack of friends at school... But I remember it all too well. Unfortunately, we had all of the above conditions, so it is hard to say. Even at age 8, my DS sometime has days where I see it reemerge.
It generally arises when he feels he is losing control on some aspect of his life. This could mean school issues, such as friends (bullying, teasing, feeling left out or alone) or having to sit through mind-numbing drills at school. It also seems to happen sometimes at home when he feels that he needs to be treated less like a baby and more like a "big kid" with more responsibility at home. Giving him more responsibilities at home actually worked wonders for us. It gave him a sense of accomplishment when he finished certain chores and started to earn extra things (allowance, computer time, etc.). I would make the analogy that he feels like he is trapped in some form of constrictive box, and he is lashing out to get free. (at least that was so in my son's case.) If that is his case too, then you can gently try to vary some things in his universe (the ones that you have control over), and see if things improve. We gave our son the "you're getting older, and if you want more options and choices, then you have to earn them" speech. He seemed to understand then that he had some measure of control over his actions and his world around him. And I agree with Master of None... Extra hugs and love seemed to remind him that even on his worst days, I would always love him. He needed that kind of consistency when he was trying to alter or reshape his own world.
In this same time period, DS also was accelerated a grade, so his school environment improved tremendously, and we found out that he had food issues (several food allergies). So we changed a lot of variables in a short amount of time. I don't know what combination of things worked, or if it was just an age and maturity thing, but it ultimately got better. There are still days when I tear my hair out, but they are fewer and fewer. (Sigh! Today happens to be one of those days!)
So I hear you, BKD. Hope some of this helps. Let us know how things go. I'll be rooting for you!
