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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 DEARAMY»Iama mother of two beautiful children, ages 7 and 4. My older child is very well behaved. Her grand- parents and relatives enjoy spending time with her. They take her for sleepovers and play dates. My younger child is a little more difficult. He can be very sweet and loving, but he can have temper tan- trums and misbehave at times. He doesn't listen very well and has a stubborn streak. My problem is that the relatives don't want to take him for play dates, movies or sleep- overs, like they do my daughter. It wasn't a huge issue when my son was smaller, but now he is 4 and he gets very upset when he is left out. Family members continue to ask for my daughter's company but constantly leave my son out. I have finally said that if they don't take both children, it isn't fair. Am I handling this the wrong way? I want both kids to be wanted and included. —TroubledMommy of Two DEAR MOMMY » You need to find ways to optimize your son's chances for success. When family members exclude him, they not only are deny- ing him opportunities to learn, but they are also diminishing the family connection. Your son may not be ready for a sleepover — or even sitting through a movie at a theater — but ice skating, mini-golf or kicking a soccer ball at your local field might be perfect for him. The best way to ap- proach this with family members might be to enlist their help: "I know Benji can be a handful, but I'm trying to come up with ways to get him up to speed. Can you invite him on a short outing so he can get to know you better and also get more experience in how to behave?" Also talk to your son about his behavior — he needs to learn to make the connection. If your daughter is involved in an activity elsewhere, invite the grandparents to join you and your youngest — at your house, their house or another kid-friendly venue. Seeing him when his sister isn't present to blind them with her charms might help them forge a connection. You cannot make every social interchange "fair," but family members should be more aware of the impact of their actions. DEAR AMY » I'm respond- ing to "Had It with Dad," the man whose elderly father-in-law was verbally abusive to his wife and family. I am willing to bet that he does not behave this way without an audience. He is banking on his audience remain- ing polite and giving him free rein to abuse. Bullies are cowards — most likely the challenge from this man's son-in-law did the trick! — No Bullies DEAR NO » I hope so. Mom wants to force family to include youngest child 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 Pisces(Feb.20-March20) — Dedicate some hard work to- ward improving your credentials. More opportunities to better your career will be the culmina- tion of your efforts. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Your independence is com- mendable, but don't run yourself ragged trying to do everything yourself. People you have as- sisted in the past will help you. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Letting personal problems interfere with your work will not sit well with your superiors. Focus on what you are doing. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don't fall for the latest "skinny pill" or products that promise unrealistic results. Proper diet, adequate rest and exercise will bring the benefits you desire. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Go through your personal docu- ments thoroughly and make adjustments that will offset your taxes. Organized paperwork will bring you peace of mind and position you for greater savings. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Before you decide to sever a partnership, ask yourself what the consequences will be and if there is anything you can do to make it work. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Moderate investment strate- gies will be required. Excessive spending on trivial purchases will eat into your savings. Make sure everyone in your household is on the same page when it comes to budgeting. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You have what it takes to get ahead. Rid yourself of bad habits, and make changes that will lead to success. Stop think- ing about your plans, and take action. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Make amends with anyone you have been treating poorly. Admit the error of your ways and resolve to be more amicable. Your gesture will be met with appreciation. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Any dishonesty on your part will leave you in an awk- ward position. You should face problems head-on rather than ignore them or offer evasive or inaccurate information. Take action, and don't look back. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Consider starting a small business on the side. An idea you have for a service or product that could make people's lives easier will be prosperous. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Your love life will be uncer- tain. Give yourself plenty of time to realistically respond to your options. An emotional state of mind will limit your ability to think clearly. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B