Playfelt, that is the problem. The stern voice is used as you have described, but it means nothing. And these are serious infractions, things like hitting, or running away, (we're at the park, and he runs for the road). I don't lightly give time outs, and I'll even admit that they don't work for every child. Anyways, the stern voice IS my final warning, but it just seems as nothing is getting through.