I agree! Using a stern voice to one person is yelling to another person. I do make sure my dck parents know that I do use a stern voice when needed...they ahve to know you are serious! What I hear way too often these days is "Please don't do that sweetheart" in the most sickly sweet whiney voice...the kid just looks at them like "whatever" and continues with his bad behaviour. Well, I wouldn't take it seriously if I were talked to like that by a police officer either!