War and Childcare Chapter 3
Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder,
and crush him.
Have sweeties ready but be chaotic. Make your babies or children think you might be crazy, and then surprise them with ruthless logic.
If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him.
If he is in superior strength, evade him.
Do not rest while your babies or children are happy. Use the time to prepare for the next battle.
If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to
irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.
Tantrums take up energy and lower the defenses of the enemy. There is a level of Jioussence in the kids that need to be bled out.
If he is taking his ease, give him no rest.
A resting baby or child is gathering strength. Wear them out, run them one more mile and then put them to bed.
Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where
you are not expected.
Dress up as batman. But not if the children are already in fancy dress.
These military devices, leading to victory,
must not be divulged beforehand.
Never explain a rational to your children. As Mary Poppins says, One thing I have to explain to you is that I never explain myself.
Now the general who wins a battle makes many
calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought.
The general who loses a battle makes but few
calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations
lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat:
how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention
to this point that I can foresee who is likely to win or lose.
It is said that victorious warriors win first and then go to war. So it is with child care. The day is planned although the kids might not know it. Bumbling through an afternoons house chores and coffee with friends is not an option. Kiddy chaos fills the void of inactivity and bad planning.
