What are we missing with our 8 yr. old son

Our 8 yr. old  son is the sweetest child ever. Then out of the blue he becomes defiant and disrespectful. He only does this to us and his siblings. We have tried talking, praising the good and a myriad of punishments.  If you cave he cries and says sorry and only to mom not dad, yet an hour later something sets him off and you start at square one again. He always has an excuse that blames someone else or he says it's fun to be bad sometimes. He has never behaved this way with anyone other than us.  He can changes very quickly from smiling happy to sad and mopy or just plain antaganistic and mean. Now our 6 yr. old is starting to mimick his behavior.  Any advice at this point would be golden. Grounding doesn't even work. He'll spend all day in his room being as loud as he can to get your attention instead of 10 minutes and done.

[babygirl6152]

you ever watch those nanny shows?

Lots of times they want negative attention from dad-because that dad is busy.
How is his relationship with dad?
That does not excuse the behavior however.

What punishments have you tried consistently? Try something for a month and be consistent.

Accept the mopey and sad behaviors- they aren't hurting a soul-
we can chat more if you'd like- drop me a private note