Mishmeres HaSholom: Ask the Rav

Q: Our little daughter often comes home from preschool with tales of a girl who hits her as well as other girls. Is there any purpose in probing her and apprising the teacher of the goings-on, and is it permissible to tell other parents that this girl is hitting?

Another question on the topic: How should I react when my daughter tells me something negative about what her teacher does?

A: You may question your daughter and relay the information to the teacher. At this point, however, it is unnecessary to cause a commotion by telling other parents. Obviously, it is forbidden to believe your daughter’s tales. One may only suspect and beware.

It is permissible to listen to what your daughter has to say regarding her teacher’s improper actions, with a measure of caution, while not believing in their validity. After you listen to what she has to say, you must deliberate and ask advice on how to proceed, according to the details of the incident.

The following questions and answers were taken from the Mishmeres Hasholom pamphlet in Israel. For details and inquiries please e-mail us at office@hasholom.org or call 972-2 5379160.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Hamodia.