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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (June 6, 2016)
FEATURES 6A Teen wants to breastfeed, too Dear Annie: My wife and I are expecting our fourth child. She is a irm believer in breast- feeding and plans to do so when our baby arrives. Our oldest child, “Travis,” was 3 years old when his irst sibling was born. My wife continued to breast- feed him along with the baby, and continued to do so through the birth of our third child, born when Travis was 5. I thought it was a little odd, but I did not object. Travis is now 13 years old. A few weeks ago, he asked his mom if he could breastfeed like he did when he was little. He told her he remembers it and loved how safe he felt. He said he wants to feel that closeness with her again. When she told me, I thought she was joking. But she was dead serious and had already told him “yes.” I do not agree with this and have expressed my con- cerns. Travis is a boy in the mid- dle of puberty who has suddenly become girl crazy. I cannot help but feel there is a sexual com- ponent to this. I had hoped her obstetrician would side with me, but we asked about it, the doctor replied, “I admit it is unusual to Annie’s Mailbox Creators Syndicate Inc. Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar breastfeed a child at that age, but it is not likely it will harm him.” Am I unreasonable to think a teenage boy doesn’t belong any- where near his mom’s breasts? Please help me learn to accept this or to get my wife to rethink it. She has agreed to listen to your advice. — An Unreason- able Husband Dear Husband: The obstetri- cian was undoubtedly respond- ing solely to the nutritional ben- eits of breastfeeding. No, the milk will not harm him. But emotionally and psychologi- cally, your wife is setting Travis up for years of psychotherapy. It’s not like your wife has been breastfeeding Travis for the past 13 years. This is a recent request. Yes, of course, there is a sexual component, even if it’s subcon- scious and unintentional. The boy is 13. Girls are on his mind. We guarantee female breasts are on his mind. Mom should not let him practice on her. It can cre- ate all kinds of physical sensa- tions and attachments, not only for him, but also for Mom, none of which is emotionally healthy. Mom - if you’re listening, please put your child irst. Indulging this request doesn’t do either of you any good. It’s OK to say “no.” Simply tell Travis that he’s too old to do what babies do. Surely, you can help him feel safe and loved in a more age-ap- propriate way. You also can dis- cuss this with Travis’ pediatri- cian, who might have a better handle on a teenage boy’s emo- tional health. Dear Annie: When I eat out, am I supposed to cut a ham- burger in half before eating? I have done this, but it makes it so messy to eat. — M. Dear M.: Sandwiches (espe- cially hamburgers) can be eaten whole, unless doing so would require a bib or a larger mouth. Most folks would cut a grilled cheese sandwich, for example, but if cutting a hamburger makes it too sloppy, then by all means, don’t do it. THE DAILY ASTORIAN • MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2016 Tomorrow’s horoscope By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your imag- ination will stretch into visual and musical directions. You’ll explain the world in artis- tic, interesting and colorful ways — even the mundane parts. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Write the goal that is in your heart down on paper. It’s better if your destination is committed in this way. Without a set destination and estimated time of arrival, there is no flight plan. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Maybe there are no stupid questions, but there are smart ones. Ask the question that wants to be asked and the answer will ring out like a marvelous celebration of church bells. CANCER (June 22-July 22). You could face and overcome your opposition, but it would take an awful lot of energy. It’s prob- able that this battle is not important in the scheme of things. Conserve your personal power. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The opinion you voice may turn out to be wildly unpopular. In fact, you may stand alone in your views. But what if you’re the only one who’s right? Time will tell, but until then you’ll certainly make the others think differently. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Today, when someone tells you the truth, but not the whole truth, it’s a test to see how well you’re listening. If you listen well enough, you can, and really should, tease the whole truth out. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). It takes some- one special to appreciate the beauty in and/or take advantage of today’s precious opportunity. You are aesthetically in tune and in a position to touch a one-of-a-kind FRANK AND ERNEST BLONDIE THATABABY SALLY FORTH PHOEBE AND HER UNICORN B.C. LOLA DILBERT SIX CHIX BIZARRO MUTTS NON SEQUITUR BABY BLUES WIZARD OF ID ZITS ROSE IS ROSE item or gain access to a rare commodity. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Join the group. What’s good for others will be good for you. You’ll love the feeling of belonging and be very pleased with what you’re able to accomplish by contributing to the larger picture. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You’ll radiate warmth and charisma, though in a quiet way that will most suit today’s con- servative surroundings. The size of your gesture may be subliminally small and ev- eryone will feel it anyway. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). If the first answer doesn’t satisfy you, get anoth- er without hesitation ... and another still. You’ll be rewarded for your persistence and your high standards. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Speak up about your preferences. Let yourself have one of the indulgences you so enjoy. Take your leisure time more seriously and it will reward you more richly. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ll make your way around the obstacles by applying what you’re so good at. You’ve a talent for finding easy compromises and executing fast adjustments. TUESDAY’S BIRTHDAY (JUNE 7). You’ll attract big love and appreciate the care of one who watches over you this year. Your gentle lifestyle changes will stick. Little by little, you’ll find your way to a better level of vitality. A new teacher will come into your life in August — someone younger. Octo- ber offers the means to travel in style. Jan- uary is your lucky break. Libra and Pisces adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 25, 44, 39 and 16.
