Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/681000
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»My19-year- old son has had an issue his whole life: He never cleans his room! We started giving him an allo wance when h e was 10, but we didn't give him the allowance if he didn't do his homework or clean his room. So he didn't. We have given him a car, and the freedom to do whatever he wants, if only he would keep his room free of trash, but it hasn't worked. His car is trashed, too! We would like to sell the house, but his bed- room floor is now warped and the walls are ruined. He has a college fund and extra money. He works part time. He says he can't work more hours, due to school, but he still skips classes. We've said he needs to decide if he wants to go away for school and move out next fall. I left home when I was 17. I worked full time. It took me 25 years to get my degree. My husband did it when he was 18. We prefer to support him through his goals. Any ideas on how to get him to respect us enough to clean his room and car? —FuriousMom DEAR MOM » Let's review: You chose to (essentially) pay your son to do his homework and clean his room (things he should do, anyway). And because you tied his allowance to these things, his logic was, "Why bother doing homework and cleaning my room? I don't need any allowance. Because I'm 10!" You and your husband are still treating your son like he is 10, providing everything — except con- sequences. Now you are blaming him for being a lazy slob. Your choices as parents have created this mess. This is on you. Give your son the advantage that you had at his age — of being on his own, supporting himself and figuring things out. No more tuition. If he is skipping classes, then he isn't ready for college. Then he will have plenty of time to work a 40-hour week, just like everybody else, and rent a room in someone else's house, where there might be real consequences for damag- ing property. If you want to be extra nice, you could kick in for his car insurance, but other than that, he will have to establish his own goals, and see what it's like to be in charge of his own life. And you need to let him. DEAR AMY » Thank you for your reasonable reaction to "Mama Bear," who didn't want her father-in- law to ask her 15-year-old son to fetch a beer for him. Bringing beers to my grandfather was about as close as we ever got. I actually have happy memories of him sitting with the ice chest just out of reach. — Not Damaged for Life DEAR NOT DAMAGED » Has it occurred to you that your grandfather sta- tioned himself "just out of reach," in order to get you to fetch for him, pro- moting this connection? That's my theory. Parents are upset over son's mess of their own making 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 Taurus(April20-May20) — Live in the moment and take time to enjoy the people you love and the things that make you happy. It's up to you to take responsibility for your success. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Review personal finances to find out where you stand and what you can afford. Temptation will rear its head if you become restless. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Offer suggestions to old friends and make a point to listen to ideas and collaborate with someone you think would make a good business partner. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Let your personality shine. Take part in events that challenge you and make you think about your life and available options. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Look at the big picture and gather all the information you can. You will benefit from a change of pace or from tweak- ing your skills or re-evaluating your beliefs. Romance is highlighted. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You'll be challenged if you oppose a deal or neglect legal or health issues. Pick up the pace and take care of mat- ters before someone else takes control. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Partnerships will depend on priorities. No matter what the deal or who is involved, don't rule out an obscure idea or plan if it feels right to you. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — You'll be taken advan- tage of if you are overly friendly or accommodating. Don't get involved in a scheme you know little about. Get the lowdown before you give the go-ahead. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Avoid anyone who is emo- tionally unpredictable. Look for projects that will improve a very special personal relationship as well as your home environment. Romance will add excitement to your life. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Steer clear of anyone trying to pressure you. Avoid a dis- agreement with someone close to you. Putting in extra time at work will help you get ahead. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Being a participant will encourage you to stand up for your rights and concerns. You can make a difference if you are precise and detailed with your reasoning and solutions. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Don't let a co-worker or superior make you feel guilty or doubt your ability. Don't be afraid to negotiate, and don't hesitate to take charge of your future. Update your resume. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, MAY 18 WEDNESDAY,MAY18,2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B