Instructing Children vol.4, no. 31
Even though children below the age of Bar or Bas Mitzvah are not obligated to perform mitzvos or refrain from prohibitions, their parents are obligated to instruct them how to act in accordance to Torah law.1
The requirements for instruction (chinuch) are different for positive mitzvos and prohibitions. In regard to prohibitions a parent must instruct a child to refrain from a prohibited act as soon as the child can understand the concept that some things are not allowed.2 If a child can not understand that some foods may not be eaten or some actions may not be performed there is no obligation for the parent to stop him.
The obligation for instruction for positive mitzvos starts at a later age when the child can understand that Hashem has commanded the mitzvah and how to perform the mitzvah.3 This age is approximately five or six years old depending on the understanding of the child.
Regarding Shabbos the Torah states "Do not perform any forbidden labor, neither you, nor your son nor your daughter." (Exodus 20:10) This verse teaches us that adults are not permitted to allow their children to perform the forbidden labors of Shabbos.
Since this is an aspect of an adults own observance of the Shabbos it applies even to children who are below the age of instruction. If a child wishes to perform a forbidden labor for his parents’ benefit they are required to stop him. If the labor was performed they are not allowed to derive benefit from it.4
This halachic problem arises very often in regards to turning on electric lights. One may not tell his child to turn on a light. One may not put the child in a position where the light will certainly be turned on. For example he may not place the child’s hand on the light switch knowing the child will certainly turn it on. However, one may place a very young child in reach of the light where there is only a possibility he will turn it on.
1)Mishneh Brurah 343 2)MB343:3 3)MB128:123 4)Magen Araham 325:22
