Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/308976
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARCAROLYN»Iloved your response last year (http://wapo.st/RGBR25) (to the grandmother of a girl with boyish tastes). I have a concern on the other end of the girly spec- trum. My almost-4-year- old is in love with pink, princesses, fairies, things that sparkle, accessories, nail polish, sassy shoes — all of it. I assumed she was just drawn to those things because she found them fun and aesthetically pleasing (I too love a good ruffle or sparkle), but now she's be- coming preoccupied with "pretty." After I brush her hair, she asks, "Am I pretty now?" After she gets dressed, she asks, "Do I look pretty?" My husband and I have tried to limit talk of pretty to things like flow- ers or butterflies as being "pretty," though we do slip and tell her she herself is pretty at times (because, come on — she's my gor- geous little girl). We try to emphasize things she can control, like trying SO HARD to learn her letters, hit a ball, etc., but only "pretty" seems to be registering with her at the moment. I don't even know how to respond, when she asks me if she's pretty. I end up saying something lame, like, "You're always pretty, sweetie. We just got the tangles out of your hair, you know?" but that response is too long and not resonating with her. Besides, I worry about telling her she's pretty, but she backs me into a corner by asking me point-blank! Help! —Pretty DEAR PRETTY » "How do you feel inside? That's what I ask myself." Road-test that and check back in. Especially at her age, there's a 99.99 percent chance it's a phase, but why not use the phase to guide her to find beauty a different way? Or ways. DEAR CAROLYN » Re: Pretty: I think one of the best things about kids IS that they obsess, except that I view it as an intense interest and childlike commitment. There's a line in a Paul Rudd movie, ("Knocked Up"): "I wish I loved anything as much as my kids love bubbles." It's pretty cool, really. And they can change on a dime. One minute it's princesses, the next it's microscopes. By encouraging their interests, we teach them that it's fun to go all in, and it will be fine when they go all in on their next interest. I remember taking my then-5-year-old daughter to campus on a take-your- daughter-to-work day. When asked, "What do you like best about yourself?" she said, "My long blond hair." When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she said, "The president." Let kids like what they like. They don't get boxed in as much as adults think they do or as much as adults box themselves in. — Anonymous DEAR ANONYMOUS » Help- ful perspective, thanks. Parents want to teach little girl to be more than just pretty 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:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Aries(March21-April19)— Your hobbies will prove to be an important clue to your destiny. Explore careers that provide in- tellectual stimulation you need. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — You can find a number of useful and unique items at a flea market or online. Research the qualifications you would need to follow a path that interests you. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Explore the motives of someone trying to get your personal infor- mation. Don't reveal too much. You could be inviting trouble if you are too trusting. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Someone in need will appreciate the items you no longer use. If you employ your newfound gain for a good purpose, it'll enhance your mood. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — New avenues are opening up for you. Be proud of your achieve- ments and share your dreams. Attending cultural events will lead to a special introduction to an influential party. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Be open to practical advice of- fered by a recent acquaintance. Take a good look at what you have and still want to achieve. Make a to-do list and start the process. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Follow your desires today. New places and people will stimulate you intellectually. Take a step outside your personal situation in order to help clear your vision. Do what's best for you. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — You will be at your best today, bringing added respect and greater opportunities. Your talents will be put to good use as you assume a position of leadership in your community. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don't be limited by the expectations of others. Do something out of the ordinary. Making minor improvements around the home will help boost your confidence. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — A financial upturn is just around the corner. Invest time in your ideas and plans for the future. A social engagement will bring you closer to someone you respect. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Look over your budget. Financial woes can develop if you are indulgent. Invest more time in your skills to find a way to earn more money. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Your heightened emotional state will lead to personal dif- ficulties. Keep your wits about you when dealing with domes- tic and family matters. Self- improvement projects will help ground you. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol THURSDAY, MAY 8 THURSDAY,MAY8,2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B