They need to worry about becoming overweight. So it might not be a great idea to bribe kids who act up with food. Here's why: a recent study published in "Pediatrics" magazine says there's a direct link between kids behavior and weight problems. In fact, kids with behavior problems are three times more likely to be overweight than other kids. And even if they don't have a weight problem yet, they're not out of the woods.
The kids who aren't overweight but do misbehave are five times more likely to be overweight in the next two years.
Dr. Julie Lument, the study's lead author, says that it's important when you're treating a child's emotional problems, to look for potential health problems too. They do note that not all kids that are overweight have behavior problems. It's the other way around. It's how a kid behaves, or in this case misbehaves, that can be a strong signal about their diet and health. So it's probably a good idea to stay away from trying to use food to bribe kids who're causing trouble. You're not doing them any favors.