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DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARCAROLYN»My second-grader is being bullied by a boy in his class and this has been going on since first grade. It's not bad enough to ruin my son's day or school ex- perience (he loves school) nor is he the only target — this kid bullies a lot of the other children. It's all rough- housing that ranges from uncomfort- able to pain- ful for his targets. We've re- cently mentioned it to the teacher, but I would also like to empower my natu- rally diffident and nonas- sertive son with tools/ strategies to deal with bullies himself. Particu- larly, because (1) This type of bullying is a common if unfortunate element of playground and school life and (2) He needs to have the confidence to stand up for himself. Do you have any books on this that you would recommend and that would be comprehensible to lower elementary school children, or would teach me to teach him the tools? —DealingWithBullies DEAR DEALING » The best I've read on the subject is "Best Friends, Worst Enemies" by Thompson/ O'Neill Grace/Cohen. It also sounds possible that this "bully" is actually trying to be friends with his classmates but has no idea how. Is he doing this roughhousing in anger? Second grade is a little late in the process for this, but it's not unheard of for a wrassle or a whack in the back to be a kid's idea of saying hello to people he likes — if he's not comfortable yet with the words and gestures of friendship. Of course, if he's rough- housing in anger, then that's something else en- tirely and the school needs to get on it, fast. Anyway, read the book, and maybe draw out the teacher a bit more on the other circum- stances. The more you understand, the better you can guide your son, since bully-neutralizing can involve a huge range of approaches from full avoidance to full engage- ment. Once you do know more, I'm a huge fan of role-playing as a way to teach your son to handle tough social situations, even if it feels like a trip to Dork Mountain. (I think using the term Dork Mountain was a trip to Dork Mountain. My poor kids.) DEAR CAROLYN » Re: Bul- lying: "Bullying" is making a project out of making a particular target's life miserable, for one's own satisfaction. If this kid is rough and pushy with everyone, it sounds like he may be a bit of a clod, but not a true "bully." — Anonymous DEAR ANONYMOUS » Zackly. That's what I was heading toward with the suggestion that the "bully" might just be so- cially awkward (and overly physical). While bullying is a significant problem, overusing the "bully" label also is one. Resources for parents to help children deal with bullies 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 Gemini(May21-June20)— This is not the time to be pushy. Compromise is required. Where there's a will, there's a way. Let others have their say. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Get in touch with someone from your past. It's time to revive an old friendship or flame. Make the first move, and see if a response is elicited. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — If you have been neglectful in any way, it's time to make amends. Life is too short to waste your time arguing. Compromise is a good place to begin. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — A delightful surprise will brighten your day. Love and ro- mance are highlighted, so spend some extra-special time with the people you love. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You will get caught up in a dis- pute. Before you make any sug- gestions, get the facts. Keeping the peace will be more difficult than anticipated. Be prepared to back away if necessary. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — You will be unsure of how to deal with an important decision. Go back to the people you have trusted in the past. Their input will help you to make the right choices. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Collaborative ventures should be avoided today. Do your homework. You can make a small investment pay off, but it must be on your terms. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — It's time to tackle home beautification and domestic chores. Yardwork, redecora- tion and reorganization are good ways to spruce up your surroundings and burn a few calories. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Imagination is only part of the equation for a successful effort. Changes need to be made, and now is the time to make things happen. You have waited long enough to reach your goals. Forge ahead. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Someone is trying to deceive you. Don't believe what you are told. You will have to get the in- formation firsthand if you want to discover the truth. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Don't be afraid to say no. It's good to offer help, but be- fore you do, take care of your responsibilities. You don't have to be superhuman. Take a break. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Do whatever it takes to enjoy life today. Your health will suffer if you're constantly worrying. Go out and do some- thing with the people who make you happy. Horoscope By Bernice Bede Osol THURSDAY, JUNE 5 THURSDAY,JUNE5,2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B