Naughty children are more likely to have financial problems in middle age

Naughty children who throw tantrums and act impulsively are more likely to have financial problems in middle age, study finds Researchers looked at data of 1,000 New Zealanders born in 1972 and 1973 Tracked their lives via surveys, interviews and examinations until the age of 45 Revealed lack of self-control as a child is correlated to implications in later life

By Joe Pinkstone For Mailonline

Published: 20:00 GMT, 4 January 2021 | Updated: 20:00 GMT, 4 January 2021

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Troublesome children who have short tempers and regular tantrums are likely to run into trouble when they become middle-aged adults, a new study has found.

More than 1,000 people from New Zealand born in 1972 and 1973 were tracked throughout their life until the age of 45.

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Analysis of the data revealed individuals with greater self-control as children were more able to adequately manage their finances.

Troublesome children who have short tempers and regular tantrums are likely to run into trouble when they become middle-aged adults, a new study has found (stock image)

Individuals who exhibited high self-control in childhood also physically age slower, the study found.

Those with greater self control also had fewer signs of brain aging and were better at managing their health, finances and social lives.

The study also found adults who were impulsive children that later improved their self-control are healthier than people who never manage to master their short fuse.

Dr Leah Richmond-Rakerd from the University of Michigan led the study published today in PNAS.