Why do they turn into monsters when dh goes away on business?

[slapheadsrock]

What is with kids?! I was really looking forward to a break from routine with dh away, and had treats lined up; movie night, sleepover, ice-cream after school etc.
But ds (10 years old) decides to take over, refusing to do anything, wanting the opposite of what is planned, questioning everything I say, to the extent of telling me off for telling off dd2 (who is 6) because at 8.30am she still was in her pj's!!!

I know I can give him time out but just before school it isn't an option. I just end up losing my temper and then feeling awful all day.

How do they manage to push all my buttons at once?!

[madame]

oh god slapheadsrock, I thought it got better when they passed the terrible 2's which is what I am going through at the moment....

My husband just gets to come home and leterally put her to bed. I have had to deal with the tired wind down an dthe whole day. I have no experience with older children but I sympathise