The Art of War by Baby Allen

Here are a few things I picked up from my barely one-year-old adorable nephew:

1. Study and imitate.

I was playing the monster game with baby Allen. I scrunched up my face into my most witchy and ugly countenance -- teeth bared and lips drawn back into a snarl -- fully expecting baby Allen to scamper away in fright. But did it happen? No. He just sat there staring at me for the longest time. Not even a smile or a squeal to give me a thrill. Feeling like a fool, I went back to my room for a while. When I came out, there he was, roaring and scaring me off with his own monster rendition. I was nonplussed.

2. When you fall on your butt, stand up and try again. And again, and again, till you get it right.

3. Be resourceful, use what you have. If they trap your hands, use your feet-- or teeth for that matter.

4. Laugh when you're happy, give a hug when you're pleased, cry when you're not, and scream when you're mad. People are bound to give you what you want when they know where you stand.

5. Reach high and aim high. The rewards are usually better.

Given a choice between the toy on the floor and the one on the shelf, Allen always goes for the latter. Now, he knows how to stand, isn't that great?

6. When all else fails, scream. People will come running to help you. And after expending the energy required for that screaming marathon, you sleep better afterwards.

7. Easily forgive and forget. Nobody will pick you up if you're at war with everybody.

8. Above all, smile. That way, they'll never know what you're up to.