SJS, thanks for clarifying. However, I still don’t agree.
Toddlers think that a lot of things are acceptable because you do them. But they need to learn, as they get older, that there are many things that adults can do even though they cannot. Would you stop touching the stove because it’s unacceptable for your child? Would you not go into the street alone because it’s unacceptable for your child? I don’t think so. My son, who I believe is younger than yours, understands that there are things that Mommy is allowed to do but he is not. He will point to a sharp knife, for instance, and say “no-no” plus his name, then ask “Mommy?” Then I tell him that yes, it’s a no-no for him, but for Mommy it’s okay. And he accepts that. Why should potching be any different?
My nieces and nephews sometimes take to “disciplining” each other. My sister tells them, in no uncertain terms, that Mommy is the one that gives the punishments and that it is not their job to do so. Why is it that much harder for a child to understand that Mommy or Daddy can give a (small) potch when necessary, but that they can’t?