Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/604488
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman PHOEBEANDHERUNICORN DanaSimpson ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ifind my 8-year-old son's behavior rather peculiar. When we are in social situations with other children he always seems to find someone to hang out with. Later when I say to him, "Hey, I saw you and so-and-so hang- ing out, do you want to invite him over sometime?" his answer is almost always the same: "No — they're annoying." Apparently children his own age are annoying to him. He seems to gravitate toward older kids but a 12-year-old (I'm sure) doesn't want to hang out with an 8-year-old during the weekend. When the weekend comes and I ask if he wants to get together with any of his friends from school, he again responds with, "I have no friends — everyone is annoying." He is invited to classmates' houses for play dates but tells me to tell them no. He doesn't like going to birthday parties (I make him go and he's fine once he gets there). I can't figure out what's going on with him. I feel his classmates are going to be there for the next several years, and not establish- ing some sort of relation- ship with ANYONE there isn't healthy. Am I overreacting? —VeryConcerned Mommy DEAR CONCERNED » You are not overreacting. You are observing a pattern of behavior. You're being a good parent. I won't "diagnose" your son from my amateur seat, but from what you describe, he might be on the autism spectrum. He might also be a quirky 8-year-old who struggles to read the (often confusing) social cues of kids his age. Sit down with his t ea ch e r an d h is s ch oo l' s resource counselor. Ask them to describe how your son navigates through a typical day at school. Ask for their recommendations. Look for activities where he can "parallel play" with others — perhaps his school has a Lego club or music program that would engage him. Don't pressure him socially. Also read this important and insightful book: "Raising Cain: Protect- ing the Emotional Life of Boys" by psychologists Dan Kindlon and Michael Thompson (2000, Ballantine). DEAR AMY » "Heartbro- ken" detailed a disturbing situation with a relative who had the habit of adopting kittens and then surrendering them. She should be placed on a "do not adopt list" at shelters. — Concerned DEAR CONCERNED » I think it's possible she is "shelter hopping." I agree with your concern. Mom wonders why young son finds friends annoying You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.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 Scorpio(Oct.24-Nov.22) — Together you can develop something that will bring you enjoyment, possible profits and a lasting partnership. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Too much of anything will make you look bad. Avoid indul- gence and exaggeration if you intend to stay out of trouble. Working on your appearance or overall health is favored. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You are positioned for success. Put your plans into play in order to take onlookers by surprise. Refuse to let others' actions throw off your game. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Bring about a personal change that will boost your confidence and help you express how you feel to someone special. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Disillusionment will set in if you expect too much or pick up bad habits. Work on creative concepts and find a way to express your talents openly and honestly. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Make sure that you know where you stand regarding the beliefs and opinions of those around you. Don't invite a chal- lenge that is impossible to win. Romance is favored. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — You'll be attracted to the unusual or unique. If you delve into something that you know little about, it will shape the way you move forward person- ally or professionally. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Avoid emotional matters if you aren't clear about how you feel. Get involved in something that you can do alone. Taking a spa day or going on a spiritual retreat will do you good. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Go where the action is in order to meet interesting people. The knowledge and experience they have will be valuable when you are faced with a decision about how or where you live. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — A move or change of scenery is fa- vored. Do your best to get back on track and figure out what you want to pursue. Personal relationships will require action, not words. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Revisit places that you have a strong emotional connection with. Getting in touch with old friends will be an eye-opener. Attend a reunion or set up a gathering. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Give whatever you do your best effort. Follow your creative dreams and analyze your current relationships. Decide who fits into your future plans and who doesn't. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, NOV. 20 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2015 4 B