Say you’re out somewhere with your kid, and he’s having a meltdown. Crying, screaming, kicking-you name it. Desperate, you spot a vending machine and promise the little troublemaker a treat if he’ll settle down. A chocolate bar or two later, your child is now appeased. Calming temper tantrums with food is a common strategy. But although it may work in the short run, using food to sooth agitated kids could backfire when it comes to weight gain. According to a one study, parents who defuse their kids with treats may raise their risk for becoming obese.