Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/390586
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Whatisthe right age to tell a girl about her period and the "facts of life"? My daughter just en- tered the fifth grade (she is 10). Many of her friends have started to develop (she has not). I was always told to answer a child's ques- tions when they ask, but she has not asked any! I believe sex ed is part of the curriculum in the coming year and I want her to know everything from me before she learns it in school. We have a wonderful, close relationship but I could use some help about how to get this conversation started. —JustWonderingin Colorado DEAR JUST WONDERING » A child who has never had the experience of frank and open conversations about her body with a parent will not ask about these things — because she simply doesn't know what to ask about, and she doesn't know how to initiate this sort of inquiry with you. She is at a good age to learn about the changes in her own body and what these changes mean in terms of her physical de- velopment (as a girl) and emotional development (as a person). Girls generally receive lessons and material about the "facts of life" in fifth grade; if she is lucky this will be accompanied by a written pamphlet and also some hygiene products. Many girls find this quite exciting — and this is the attitude to encourage at home. I highly recommend the book I have given to all of my daughters: "The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls" by Valorie Schaefer (American Girl, 2012). This is a book to look at and talk about together. DEAR AMY » I am in my mid-50s and re-entering the dating scene. When out on a date, if the person I am with smokes (I am a nonsmok- er), what is the proper way to handle her going out for a cigarette while at dinner? Should I remain at the table, waiting for her to return or fake a need to use the restroom during her break? Should she re- frain until we are leaving? I am not concerned about smoking. I do not stop people from smok- ing in my car, etc. I just don't know the right way to address this, and it is especially uncomfortable on a first date. Any suggestions on how I should handle this? — Inexperienced DEAR INEXPERIENCED » Smoking would be a deal-breaker for many nonsmokers. It is a rude red flag if your date cannot make it through a meal without taking a smoke break. A smoker should wait for you both to exit the restaurant before lighting up. Smoke-free zones aro-und entrances to public places could mean that you and your date are huddled together like fugitives in an alley, which sounds way more fun than it is. Mother seeks help discussing 'facts of life' with daughter You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribune.com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Libra(Sept.23-Oct.23)— By the time you explain what you want done, you could have completed the work yourself. Do things you enjoy most. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Use your peers as sounding boards to get feedback regard- ing your next venture. You'll receive some worthwhile contri- butions and suggestions. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Retreat to the sidelines and watch what develops. You should delay making any deci- sions or refinements to your plans until you are confident. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — This is a fine time to move forward with a professional change that you've been con- templating. A minor windfall or a surprising gift can be expected. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Excessive personal, financial or emotional upheavals need to be avoided. Practice patience and learn to take gradual steps that will lead to a steady and positive future. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Create an opportunity to prove your value. You have the knowledge and personality to be successful, but your talents will go undiscovered if you don't display what you have to offer. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Keep your creative ideas under wraps. It's likely that you will find a market for your innova- tions, but this is not the right time to say goodbye to your current employer. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Love and romance will be at the top of your list. Sharing your feelings and dreams with someone special will strengthen your bonds and give you insight into what the future holds. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Residential changes are imminent. Get started redeco- rating or renovating. Legal and real estate issues will come to a favorable conclusion. Make your next move with confidence. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You are in a high creative cycle. You will be able to make the most of every situation if you let your intuition guide you. Complete your plans. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — All work and no play is unhealthy and unnecessary. Prepare something that you can do with your peers, colleagues, friends or family to reduce your stress and build closer relationships. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Stay on equal terms in a personal relationship. If you are constantly making concessions just to please someone, it's time to start a dialogue and share your grievances. Ease your mind by voicing your concerns. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, OCT. 1 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B