He keeps smacking the kids!

Merlin keeps smacking my 2 boys (aged 2 and 1) Kevin is so afraid of him that as soon as he sees Merlin he cries and says "no Merli, go way Merli". The other day Merlin went up to Kevin and smacked him for no reason. Kevin doesn't ever voluntarily approach him - hasn't for months. Why does Merlin instigate it and how can I stop him. At least Kevin isn't afraid of the other cats.

Sounds to me like he's trying to establish dominance over your boys - and so far is succeeding!

I honestly have no idea how to make that stop. Hopefully someone else will come along to help!

One thing to try--

When the cat and child are together, have the *CHILD* hold/offer a cat treat. Have Kevin put a treat on the floor.

If this sounds unworkable to you, or Kevin doens't go for it, YOU offer the cat treat while Kevin is right there.

Goal being -- Merlin associates good things with Kevin.

All behavior modification takes patience and perseverence; you gotta keep it up! I would do this a few times a day even.

One of my shyest boys, Grayboy, wouldnt' even enter a room if the kids were in there. My 2 toddlers are just about 3yr and 2yrs old. I have recently tried the treat thing and it's worked

Grayboy even hangs out with us all now, even if just short spurts. So it may help Merlin if he is feeling threatened or in competition of Kevin.