Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/689931
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Myparents emigrated from Taiwan in the '60s and raised my two sisters and me in the stereotypical "Tiger Mom" style. My mom said that only A's in school were accept- able. B's were never good enough. Hence, my sisters and I made A's on every single report card. My sisters and I were forced to play one to two hours of piano every single day, except on Christmas Day, or when on vacation. Fast-forward 30 years, and my sisters and I are all successful physicians in happy marriages and now raising kids. My relationship with my mom is mostly posi- tive, but will always be constrained by cultural and generational gaps. I have a 16-year-old son who is now rebelling against getting A's (B's are good enough), against practicing piano (even though he occasionally loves it), and refuses to read. He just wants to hang with friends, party or stare at his screen. I see him wasting his potential and not willing to grind it out (like I did). My husband is very suc- cessful, but comes from a hands-off upbringing. My mom thinks I can play hard ball and totally take the phone away, unless he makes the A's, plays two hours of piano, etc. We have already tried to tie actions to outcomes, but I'm frankly tired of all the fighting and yelling. Your opinion? —TigerCub DEAR CUB » You can definitely play hard ball if you want to, but you don't seem to want to. In my view, if your son has been taking lessons and playing piano for two hours a day for several years, then — unless he is headed to a career as a classical musician — he should be allowed to play whenever he wants to. There: Your son has just gained two extra hours each day to study, partici- pate in sports or theater or get an after-school job. If he is reading for school, then he is reading. If he is capable of getting A's and this is important to you, then you should tie a specific consequence to his grades. Partying, however, is nonnegotiable. Partying is what you go to the mat over. You should definitely limit screen time, eat sup- per together as a family (no screens), and yes — listen, as well as lecture. At your son's age, friends are important influencers. You are not among his friends. You are his parents. Now it's time to act like it. DEAR AMY » I notice that you mention birth con- trol quite often in your answers. I'm offended by your casual recommenda- tion that people should prevent children from being born. — Offended DEAR OFFENDED » If my recommendation helps to prevent even one preg- nancy to an overwhelmed person in an unhealthy relationship who doesn't want to have children, then it is worth it. Toler- ating your offense is the price I'm willing to pay. 'Tiger Cub' wonders if tough standards are too much 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 Gemini(May21-June20) — Stay in control. Don't be led astray by someone offering sketchy ideas and plans. Make changes that will bring about a healthy and happy lifestyle. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Follow your heart and pursue the projects and people that make you feel excited about life. Share your thoughts and embrace changes. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Showing your emotions will be part of your charm. You may not please everyone, but someone who sees your true self will turn into your muse. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Use your intelligence. A busi- ness meeting or trip will encour- age an aggressive move, more options and greater prosperity. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — You can improve your prospects through educational pursuits. A change in an important part- nership will put you in a better position. Personal development will bring good results. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Someone will pry into your personal affairs if you are too expressive. Spend time on creative endeavors that will lead to a better home or work environment. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Pick and choose your projects and associates care- fully. Don't let a challenge throw you off track. It's important to finish what you start before tak- ing on something new. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Make a decision regard- ing something or someone from your past. Don't be swayed by ultimatums. Lean toward situations that favor greater equality. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Excessive talking will lead to trouble. Stay focused on your responsibilities and getting along with the people who can help you advance. Strive to sta- bilize important relationships. Make home improvements. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — If you say you are going to do something, follow through. Showing inconsistency, confu- sion or weakness will give a competitor the upper hand. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Don't let your emotions get the better of you. Spend time with positive people who promote stability and common sense. Avoid excess and tangling with superiors. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Something or someone from your past will result in you questioning the choices you have made. Consider combining the old with the new in order to achieve happiness. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8 WEDNESDAY,JUNE8,2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B