A potch in time saves nine!
A potch only until an appropriate age,
A potch for chutzpah or doing something unsafe.
Then an explaination why that potch you gave,
And with a kiss and hug, your relationship is safe.
I think, as oomis said, a potch can be used until a child can be reasoned with.
Btw, I think there is an halacha that one cannot hit a child over bar mitzvah.