Q. A teacher that receives shalachmonos from her students during Purim, and when receiving her shalachmonos returns also to them, does she comply with the mitzva by giving to children? Does her husband also comply?
A. Poskim disagree if one complies with shalach monos given to a child. Sheilas Yavetz (1: 102, 2: 68), Ben Ish Chai (Tetzave 16), Kaf Hachaim (694: 12) and others maintain that a child is not included in the term “re’ehu” or friend mentioned in this mitzva, therefore one does not comply with the mitzva. However, Aruch Hashulchan (ibid. 18) asserts he is included. (Orchos Chaim remains in doubt).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s opinion is to be lenient. The Rov also maintains that the husband complies with his wife’s giving of shalach monos, since it is after all his property also.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a