Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/769206
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ihavespent many years struggling with my older daughter's attitude toward me. I have sobbed and ranted (to myself), but I can't figure out what to do. She i s in her mi d-30s , and spent her childhood going back and forth between her father and myself. Ami- cably. We all got along. I am bipolar, and so is she. As she got older, she has changed. She talks to me like I am an idiot and it hurts. She has a wonderful 10-year-old daughter who I love, but with the slight- est error on my part, she will cut off contact. She is out of contact with her older sister. I love her and want to spend time with her, but I cannot take this much longer without saying something I would regret. The people she works with love her, and so do her friends. I just want us to get along. Her father passed away three years ago and it darn near did her in, but she wouldn't accept any help with her grieving. Any ideas? I can't handle this stress as well as I used to. —SadMom DEAR SAD MOM » If you and your daughter both have bipolar disorder, I hope you will use your own insight into the condition to guide your actions and reactions. If your daughter has changed with age, you have likely changed, too. Is there anything you could do differently? Is she being treated for her bipolar disorder, and if so, is she getting the care she needs? Ra nt i n g i sn ' t c a ll ed for, but honesty is, and to some extent you have to reach down and let the consequences fall where they may. Acknowledge your daughter's challenges. Ask her what changes she would like to see both of you make. And tell her that you have certain expectations: that she talk to you respectfully, and treat you the way she does her friends and co-workers. Tell her you are on her side and that you would like to have a positive relationship. DEAR AMY » As a mother of a teenager, I feel the need to respond to "Puzzled in Hartford," who wondered why kids don't help their parents around the house. My son occasionally helps around the house by cleaning his room and vacuuming. However, he does not have time for much else because he spends 80 percent of his time doing homework. The complexity and amount of homework assigned is substantially greater than what was ex- pected of me. As a parent I try to support my son's education. So if he can't always shovel the snow, I cut him some slack. — Supportive Mom in Chicago DEAR SUPPORTIVE MOM » I agree that the amount and complexity of home- work for college-bound students is extreme. Some parents and educators are starting to push back on homework, and I agree that rebalancing is a good idea. Bipolarmotheranddaughter are struggling to connect You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson. 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 Capricorn(Dec.22-Jan.19) — Taking a new approach to the way you deal with partners or people who can influence your future will help you establish better working relationships. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — An opportunity to bring in extra cash is apparent, and money in the form of a settle- ment or prize could be heading your way. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — An emotional situation will surface, leaving you in an awkward position. Do your best to take care of business quickly, before matters escalate. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Explaining what you are trying to do will help you avoid criti- cism and interference. Emotions will be difficult to control. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Stick to the facts and take a practical approach to every- thing today. Move forward with your plans, regardless of what someone else decides to do. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You may feel anxious about your position, direction or next move. Relax and take your time. Impulsive decisions will add to your confusion and stress. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Work from home or make changes to your domestic en- vironment that will add to your comfort and convenience. Make subtle changes that will help you reach your personal and physical goals. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Live and learn. Use past experi- ence as your guide to a better future. Change is necessary, but how you go about it will be what makes the difference. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Don't feel pressured to spend money on something you don't want or bow to someone pres- suring you to get involved in a joint venture. Follow your gut feeling and avoid a mistake. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Emotions will be difficult to control. Size up whatever situ- ation you face, and think your way through it one step at a time. Don't give in; look for solu- tions and proceed. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — You can accomplish whatever you pursue. Learn as you go, and watch and listen to those who are doing what you want to do. Your charm will win favors and help you gain popularity. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don't limit what you can do because of your domestic situation. Lower your overhead or make alterations that will free up the time you need to pursue your dreams. Horoscope By Eugenia Last WEDNESDAY, JAN. 4 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 4 B