Galatians 4:20
“but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.”
Anyone who has been in charge or a parent has come to learn that on occasion it's necessary to use a tone. A disapproving look can have the same effect. The purpose is to give slight disapproval without crushing the person's spirit.
Ephesians 6:4 comes to mind, "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Traditionally fathers were looked to for the application of discipline. Yet, fathers are also fallible. They may have had a bad day and their patience is low. They may not have thought through the situation and may have responded the wrong way.
Some may have been raised by an angry parent and are passing on that harshness to their children. Unfortunately this practice demonstrates the truth of Exodus 34:7, in which the sins of the parent can be passed on to generations.
Tone can be used as a slight course corrections. It's all part of good parenting. The last part of the Ephesian verse says, "bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." The Lord lovingly corrects us, so also we do the same with our children.
Another verse on parenting is Proverbs 22:7, "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he would not depart from it." The largest meaning is the "way of the Lord". However I've heard it said there is an implication, "according to his way". Which admits there is a difference in every child and it's up to the parent to figure it out. It's not a "one size fits all".
A misunderstanding of one's child can lead to poor parenting. The Ephesians passage mentioned earlier says "not to exasperate your children". Not knowing one's child is almost inevitable in this case. Everyone is frustrated.
Fortunately we have a heavenly Father who can make up for our lack. Even if we aren't believers and don't seek Him, He can help the children. He is always seeking those lost sheep. If we are His children that are seeking Him in all things, then His grace and mercy come in an unending flow. What a great God. He is more than good intentions. He has the ability to know all of the billions on this earth and be involved in their aid.
Lord, thank You for Your help. You are the great parent and You help us to be good parents as well. Thank You for Your model of love, mercy as well as discipline.