Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/379384
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Mywifeand I have three great kids, ages 9 to 15. We live in an affluent community where most kids have "smart" devi ces an d a ll manner of video game options at home. I am not against technology, but when my kids had free time this sum- mer, their first choice was to either watch movies or entire television series online — or play video games. If left unattended, they can remain glued to their screens for hours. To break the pattern, we'd go swimming, play ball in our yard, ride bikes or go to the library. When the alternative activity ended they would inevitably gravitate back to their favorite shows or games for another mini- marathon. To be fair, when I was a kid I used to watch game shows on TV with my sister and cousins all morning dur- ing the summer. But we did a lot of other things, too. I think my kids are missing out on some of the simple pleasures of childhood, but maybe the simple pleasures are dif- ferent now. My wife and I have tried several times to regulate this, but despite our intentions, these rules tend to get quietly broken. I don't want my kids to resent me for trying to control a habit, but I am not comfortable letting things go. Your insight? —UncertainDad DEAR DAD » In your youth, the media offerings were slim, a nd yet you re port watching game shows during your summertime mornings. I assume that if there were daylong game show marathons, you would have spent longer periods in front of the set. I do think there is an (imperfect) equivalency between binge watching TV series and binge read- ing all seven Harry Potter books — both activities have to do with getting lost in an entertainment during the endless days of summer. But being in charge of your kids — and teaching them to control themselves — is your job. You need to become me- dia literate. Talk to them about what they watch and occasionally watch (and play) along with them. You also need to be a human remote control. Whether you decide to switch off the household wireless during certain hours or have them turn in their devices during "blackout" times, this is a parenting no- brainer. Initially, your kids may flop around, act bored and whine about their imperfect lives. But boredom has an impor- tant function, because pushing through it can unleash creativity, outside play or (God forbid) helping out at home. Father is worried about his children's media habits 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)— Don't lend or borrow anything today. Go over your banking re- cords to make sure you haven't overestimated your balance. Curb unnecessary expenditures. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Make the most of your day, regardless of what others say. Take control and show everyone what you are capable of doing. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — You will not get far by being a spectator. Get involved in events that will help shape your future and change your life. Leave some time for romance. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Expect the unexpected, and turn a negative into a posi- tive. Don't stop or let anyone sidetrack you. Stay on track if you plan to reach your goal. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Don't let your emotions goad you into making a costly mistake. You know what has to be done in order to get ahead. When something doesn't run smoothly, assess matters and reset your course. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Don't let past mistakes hold you back. Chalk them up to experience and get on with your life. Incorporate entertainment into your schedule. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Tie up loose ends. Finish half-completed projects so you can begin to move forward. Procrastination is the enemy and will stand in the way of your future goals. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Your patience will be tested. Stay calm and observe what's going on around you. Getting angry will do more harm than good. If you must participate, be the mediator, not the dictator. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — It won't do you any good to force your ideas on others. Surround yourself with friends and allies, and avoid getting into competitive situations that could harm your relationships. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Love and romance are on the rise. Your instincts will be strong, and you will know just how to win people over. Trust your intuition and follow your aspirations. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — You will have a tendency to be overly dramatic. If you practice patience, the solution will come to you, so don't waste your energy with emotional displays or volatile disagreements. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Your high energy level has you headed in the right direction. Don't slow down or look back; you must keep your goals in sight if you wish to fulfill your dreams. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, SEPT. 11 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B