Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/368872
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ihavea concern about how my mother-in-law baby-sits my toddler son. She is a very free-spir- ited woman who believes that my son should have a lot of freedom. She feels that playing with sticks, running free in a store, chewing on ice and exploring the garage (which is filled with many adult tools) are all acceptable things for him to do. His dad and I have told her many times how we feel, but she thinks we are being too protective, and she does these things and other unsafe activi- ties regardless of what we say. She loves her grand- son very much and loves to watch him once a week while I go to the gym or run errands. We hate to tell her that she can't watch him but we are thinking about in- forming her that she can only watch him super- vised. How can we tell her more clearly that these activities are unaccept- able? We have tried but she doesn't see our point of view. —ConcernedMom DEAR CONCERNED » Rather than debate the rela- tive merits of free-range versus risk-reduction, let's boil this down to its most basic component: You are the parents. The fact is that many readers (myself included) managed to survive child- hoods that were danger- ous — certainly by today's standards. Free play is wonderful, but no heartache could match that of a child be- ing injured or killed while under the care of a loving grandparent. Let's stipulate that you and your husband have the normal amount of anxiety about your child's safety. She should respect your choice. Your mother-in-law is behaving like a defiant, naughty toddler. There should be consequences. Invite her to spend time su pe r v is ed u n t il s he shows respect — or until your son gets old enough to demonstrate better judgment than his gran. DEAR AMY » My husband's two sons (ages 23 and 19) have been selling drugs from their home for the past five or more years. They live with their moth- er, who is rarely home. Their mother is aware but doesn't seem to mind. Both boys struggle to live responsibly. They pay no rent to stay there and have no ambition to go to school or get a job, etc. They party a lot and hang out playing video games. Knowing there is illegal activity going on should I anonymously tell the police about it and "bust" them? Is this my responsibil- ity as a stepmom? — Stepwondering DEAR STEPWONDERING » Is it your responsibility to call the police on your stepchildren? No. Your responsibility is to the father of these chil- dren. He is neglecting his duty to his sons, and you should encourage him to do everything humanly possible to intervene, in the hopes that they will choose to turn their lives around. Grandma ignores the rules when baby-sitting grandson 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 Virgo(Aug.23-Sept.22)— Someone isn't being frank with you. Let your intuition guide you to find out what's at stake and how you should proceed. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Get out and make new friends. A decision to waste the day away could cause you to miss an exciting opportunity from an interesting party. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Someone will be hesitant to share his or her feelings. Take a step back and offer space until you can reach a comfort zone that is conducive to discussion. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You will be the star of the show. Your charm and charisma will draw people your way, and you will gain popularity among your peers. Enjoy the moment. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — If you are looking for a way to increase your income, consider using your skills more diversely. A property or business venture has the potential to become very lucrative. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You'll face conflicting emo- tions when it comes to those closest to you. Examine your position and consider what, exactly, is making you feel uncertain. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — You will make a good impres- sion today. You'll be difficult to keep up with and next to impossible to beat. Mix business with pleasure in order to gain momentum. Aries (March 21-April 19) — A travel opportunity will be coming your way. Remember to put your own needs first. Devote your day to fun and laughter and doing the things that make you happy. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don't judge others too harshly. You may suffer some disap- pointment, but it's doubtful that anyone intended to hurt you. Forgive, forget and move on. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Put all your cards on the table when scouting for a col- laborator. If you are truthful about your expectations, you can expect fruitful new developments. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Talk to someone showing interest in your particular skills and talents. You stand to make some money if you can market what you have to offer. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — You will generate all kinds of fa- vorable attention. The followers you attract must not be given priority over those who have helped and supported you from the get-go. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, AUG. 23 SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B