You can't hit them these days so sometimes a short sharp shout is what you need to do. It means you've lost it. If they don't see that very often they know they've been naughty.

More successful now they're older snd I can deploy sarcasm to devastating effect 

Usually around the twelfth time I have asked him to do something but that number comes down the more tired I am. 

I bellowed at my son in a restaurant and terrified him when he threw some food on the floor.  I still remember the look he gave me.

I feel more guilty about that than the single occasion I hit him (not in anger and after warnings) when he bit his sister for what turned out to be the last time.

For the avoidance of doubt, before the mob descends, I do feel guilty for hitting him too.

mine , like most boys, basically ignore until we shout.

I hate that children respond more to men's voices

Bloody sexists