Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/433121
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman GETFUZZY DarbyConley ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iamdivorced and have two young children. Their father and I share equal custody. I have had a boyfriend for a year. He has a young child of his own and we all live together as a blended family. This man is kind, sensitive, sup- portive and loving — ev- erything my ex-husband was not. There's one prob- lem. My kids tend to act up a lot and I'm not sure why. His child NEVER acts up. She's helpful, listens, is easygoing, etc. My kids are the exact opposite! This past year, my boyfriend has really been working with my kids on discipline and setting good examples, and so have I. My daughter (age 10) doesn't act her age — she whines like a 3-year- old, is unhelpful around the house and with her younger brother, etc. Now my boyfriend is showing hostility toward ME because of their behavior. I know I'm trying but he doesn't see that. What should I do? —ChallengedMom DEAR MOM » You should take your kids' behavior not as a sign that they are "bad," but that they are very stressed. Your daughter's regression does not mean that she is immature, but having trouble coping. You should establish consistent routines, make sure they get plenty of healthy food and sleep, and treat them with firm, unflappable, loving kindness. Their routine of switching households is extremely challeng- ing (could you do it?). You, not your boyfriend, should be the primary disciplinarian. Most important, your daughter should get some private counseling with a child therapist. Because you are not willing/able to communicate with her father, you should make sure she is safe and well c ared f or when she is in his household. Her behavior could be a red flag that there is a serious problem. DEAR AMY » I have had a friend, "Margaret," for 18 years. We are both over 50 years old and have shared many important life-changing events. On her birthday, she had a party at her house. I arrived early to help out and parked in front of her house, as I have done for the past 18 years. Unbeknownst to me, there is a new restricted parking zone in that spot. I got a $50 ticket! I felt furious, betrayed and shocked that Marga- ret had not informed me or warned me not to park there. She told me privately that she would pay half of the ticket. The due date came and went, I paid the ticket, and nothing more was said. S he h as n ev er a po lo - gized. I would never let this happen to a friend. Is this grounds to end a friendship? — Betrayed in Denver DEAR BETRAYED » Con- sider this to be one more of the many challenges you two have weathered together. Explain that you are disappointed. Divorced mother struggles by parenting halfway 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 Sagittarius(Nov.23-Dec. 21) — Not everyone will have your best interests at heart. You should be careful when choos- ing whom you deal with person- ally and professionally. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — It's time to complete half- finished projects and tie up loose ends. Ensure that you live up to your commitments. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Move forward in a new direc- tion. You may miss out on a valuable opportunity if you try to please someone else instead of doing your own thing. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Emotional issues will come to a head if someone feels left out of the loop. A good, strong partnership requires input and effort from everyone involved. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Don't sit at home waiting for things to happen. Your outgoing nature will help you form valu- able connections if you take a trip, a special-interest course, or discuss future plans. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — You will gain perspective if you include younger family mem- bers in your plans. Working on a collaborative hobby or project will strengthen your bond and enhance your relationship. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Make a decision and stick to it. Events won't turn in your favor unless you are adamant. Trying to appease one side or another will be confusing and will work against you. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Procrastination will make you look bad. Someone is count- ing on you to be responsible. You'll have to stay focused and be thorough if you are going to excel. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Feel free to express your opin- ions. You will influence people and gain support as long as you don't make unrealistic promises. Protect your credibility. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Be an observer today. You won't know which direction to take until you see what others are up to. A hasty decision will have negative repercussions. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You will crave new experiences. Taking a trip or signing up to learn more about an intrigu- ing subject will stimulate your senses. Do what pleases you most. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Don't allow anyone to take credit for your work. Your ef- forts will be wasted if you aren't willing to present and promote what you have done. Show off a little, and reap the rewards. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, DEC. 13 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2014 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 7 B