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DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Myson's father (we were never married) and I just "resolved" a very difficult and contentious custody battle. My ex wanted more time with our son "Ben" (he is almost 9 years old), but because of issues at his house, my husband and I resist- ed allowing this. The legal motion was decided in my favor, but because the father did not "win" he started spreading vicious lies about my husband and me at the school our kids attend, the sports teams Ben plays on, and with the parents of the children he plays with. People I used to be on good terms with no longer talk to me. The worst part is that my son is now cut off from his friends. He has been very isolated this sum- mer. He is at a loss as to why his friends aren't around. How can I show that none of what was said was true without stooping to my ex's level, so at the very least my son can have his friends back? —Confused DEAR CONFUSED » To other parents, you should sincerely and accurately correct any specific disinformation you become aware of. Otherwise explain, "My ex and I were involved in a legal challenge. There were some bad feelings. I'm concerned about making sure that 'Ben' can continue to see his friends. Can we get the boys together?" If you are rebuffed, move on. This summer, enroll him in day camp, if pos- sible. Offer him group swimming lessons and plenty of time outdoors. Take him to the library and encourage him to read books that excite his imagination and inter- ests. The Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling and the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan are perfect companions for a boy between friendships during a lonely summer. Speak with your librarian and check the Scholastic website at scholastic .com for age-appropriate recommendations. At the beginning of the school year, make sure your son is engaged in after-school extras like music, drama, art and/ or the sports he enjoys. Boy Scouts might also be a good fit for him. Make sure his teacher under- stands some of his cur- rent challenges. She may be able to help steer his social connections during school. DEAR AMY » I was infuri- ated when I read the question from "Worried Great-Gran," whose hus- band bullied and teased his 5-year-old great- grandson. He had done this to other generations of children too. My gr andf ather w as like this. I didn't like him and was terrified of him. She should protect her great-grandson from this bully. — Bullied Too DEAR BULLIED » This let- ter received a very large response from readers, many of whom worried about this little boy. Custody battle and gossip leave lonely son in their wake 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 Leo(July23-Aug.22)— Don't make lofty promises. You may feel like taking on the world, but if you renege on a deal, you will lose credibility. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Before you sign on the dotted line, ask yourself what your motivation is. If you are trying to appease someone else, think twice. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Powerful allies are essential to fulfill one of your dreams. Once people see what you have to offer, they will be eager to come on board. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — By expressing your ideas to superiors instead of peers, you will eliminate the poss- ibility of being overlooked or overshadowed. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Love connections can be made. Do your best to use your energy wisely. An old idea will bring revolutionary results if presented to the right people in the right fashion. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Don't expect to get im- mediate agreement with your recommendations. Make sure that the information you offer is from a reliable source. You will be questioned. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Communication is key. You will inspire confidence in others if you are confident yourself. Put your best foot forward in order to get favor- able results and make new allies. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Offer to go the extra mile and make a good impression. If you leave it up to someone else, you will lose ground and give up a chance to advance. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Don't expect others to sing your praises. If you are forthright and progressive and take the lead, you will make others take note and provide steppingstones to your victory. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — No matter how alluring it may be, don't get talked into doing something that has no value or meaning to you. Use good judgment and save your energy for something beneficial and rewarding. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You will be extremely convinc- ing today. Your peers will be glad to participate and help you achieve your goals. A romantic evening will provide the perfect ending to your day. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Your emotions will be difficult to control. Separate yourself from distressing situations and find a relaxing hobby or a way to escape from the turmoil. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, AUG. 4 TUESDAY,AUGUST4,2015 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B