Dr. Robert Beard, also known as Dr. Goodword at alphadictionary.com, recently published the 100 Funniest Words In English based on their pronunciation, usage, history and meaning. Not only does he define the words but offers several creative examples of usage. This is a fantastic book for high school students preparing for college admissions. It can help them to appreciate language, prepare them for the odd words that could appear on the SAT/ACT and give them great words to work into their college and scholarship essays. Here are some of my favorites.

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I just finished reading an article offering suggestions on "getting" your child to wear age appropriate clothes. I was dumbfounded by the time I'd finished reading the article. It was full of platitudes, techniques for cajoling agreement from a child, and tips for steering them towards the choices you want them to make. Really? Parents...what has happened to parenting? When did parental decisions begin to require negotiations on the level of Middle Eastern peace talks?  How about we all practice saying the most powerful child rearing word in the language...NO!

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Recently I had occassion to be asked to call a child's parents for them. This little girl was nine or ten years old. When I asked her what her mom's number was she replied, "2". I dutifully punched that number and waited, expecting to hear "1" and "4" and seven other numbers.  This young lady waited expectently to talk to her mom.

Uh oh!

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We all had a favorite joke as kids. One we tormented our parents with...over...and over...and over again. I've asked my friends. I've asked my kids and scoured the Internet for a collection of the all time best kid's jokes to share with your children. Have fun with your kids!

What did one ocean say to the other ocean? Nothing, they just waved.

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