Reply To: To Potch or Not to Potch

I don’t condone violence towards chidlren, but a potch on the bottom, especially in the type scenario that was described about kids running into the street, is one of those where it may be necessary. A child can be taught not to run into the street, but ONCE HE HAS DONE SO, a potch is effective in teaching him how serious his actions were. Little kids cannot usually be reasoned with unless they are exceptionally mature. I know a 2 year old girl who kinehora will TELL you what she is not allowed to do because, “It’s not safe!” (and she doesn’t do those things). But she is a yotzais min haklal, and CAN be reasoned with, something you cannot do with most toddlers.