Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/300708
DILBERT Scott Adams PEARLS BEFORE SWINE Stephan Pastis PICKLES Brian Crane BABY BLUES Jerry Scott & Rick Kirkman GET FUZZY Darby Conley ZITS Jerry Scott & Jim Borgman SHERMAN'S LAGOON Jim Toomey ARGYLE SWEATER Scott Hilburn BIZARRO Dan Piraro DEAR CAROLYN » After the sudden death of my brother and his wife, I'm the brand-new guardian of my 13-year-old nephew. We're both in therapy to adjust to the changes and the kiddo is in grief coun- seling with some other kids his age too. I LOVE my nephew but I'm 29 and hadn't planned on being a par- ent. I don't have many caretaking skills other than the love I lavish on my dog. I'm so worried about damaging him or hurting him at this really tough changing point in his life (plus he's in middle school. His life is awful right now). You always have great book recommendations — can you recommend anything I can read? I'd love any resources I can get my hands on. We always had more of a mis- chievous, sibling dynamic (pranks, goofing off, etc.) when my brother was alive, and the new dynamic in our relationship is causing growing pains and sulking, with him telling me that he hates his life. I get that he's a 13-year-old kid who is growing, and challenging authority is part of that, plus whoa life changes, and before now, I was the one goading him to break rules, not keep them. — New Guardian DEAR GUARDIAN » I am so sorry, for both of you — such a stunning loss. That you guys have a loving history is the good news here, and it will carry you through if you both trust it. The best resource I can recommend might not be available in your area, but I'll try: Parent Encour- agement Program, or PEP, comes highly recom- mended (www.parent encouragement.org). Your nephew's pediatrician likely can recommend local programs. A good book that is slightly off-point for the traumatic adjustment you're both making, but is bang on for middle-school agonies, is "Best Friends, Worst Enemies: Under- standing the Social Lives of Children" by Michael Thompson, Catherine O'Neill-Grace and Lawrence J. Cohen. It's a great primer on learning not to try to fix everything, but instead just to understand — and to recognize when to step in. Consider building into your routine some relief from walking the parental line — some activity you can do that allows you to revert to your mischievous sibling dynamic. Parents swing this in very differ- ent and personal ways, but it's why you see parents throwing their kids around at the pool, or going around on Halloween in costume, or taking theme- park vacations. Sometimes you have to play. Neither of you might be ready for this yet, but keep it in mind for when you are. In the meantime: Your stepping in is nothing short of heroic. To quote the brilliant AdoptUSKids ad campaign, "You don't have to be perfect to be a perfect parent." Just be there. Take care. Tragedy forces aunt into new role as nephew's mother Carolyn Hax Ask Carolyn Email Carolyn Hax at tellme@washpost.com, follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ carolyn.hax or chat with her online at noon Eastern time each Friday at www.washingtonpost.com. Sudoku Instructions: The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the number only once. Answer to Previous Puzzle Celebrity Cipher By Luis Campos Instructions: Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another. NEA Crossword Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don't get drawn into any arguments. Even though things may not work out as planned, you should accept the changes happening around you. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You are on an upward trend right now. If you take advantage of your wealth of experience, nothing will hold you back. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Mull over an investment, but don't wait until it's too late to make your move. Be prepared to make the choice that is likely to benefit you and your family. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Your goals need a little adjust- ment. Be receptive to new ideas, and make a change if you want to feel better about the direction you are heading. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Your leadership qualities will help you gain control. You will attract individuals who want to support your plans. Much can be accomplished if you take action. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You can gain valuable insight if you include youngsters or seniors in your plans. Opt for a creative outlet that will let you use your teaching skills. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Don't feel overwhelmed by your long list of chores or re- sponsibilities. Negative thinking will only slow you down. If you take the tasks one at a time, you will accomplish what's necessary. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You should consider ditching your regular routine in favor of something different. A day trip or talk with people from different backgrounds will spark new concerns as well as a solution. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Your curiosity and adapt- ability will lead to favorable changes in your life. Head in a new direction, and you will be applauded for your innovative and inspirational ideas. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You will be respected for your opinions and insight if you have the courage to speak out. Your vision will draw attention and lead to improvements. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Take a moment to adjust to the necessities of a demanding situation. A small respite from responsibilities will help re- charge your batteries as well as encourage innovative solutions. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Get involved in a cause and interact with interesting people. You will fare best with a serious-minded group striving to implement positive social change. Your contribution will be valued. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol THURSDAY, APRIL 24 Thursday, april 24, 2014 rEdBluFFdailyNEWs.COM | YOUR DAILY BREAK | 5 B