What effect does divorce have on children's health?  The initial stages of many divorces can be very acrimonious.  During custody battles, and in the years after, both parents usually have a strong incentive for the children to like Mommy or Daddy.  More and better Christmas presents.  New toys all the time.  But the easiest way for parents to control (and please) their children is -- you guessed it -- sugar and candy.   The same stuff that we warn children to fear when in the hands of strangers. 

A divorce can make it harder for each parent to make decisions that are in the long term best interests of the child.  Rather than suffer through a tantrum, much better to just give in to his demands for a Kit Kat.  Rather than seem mean, much better to give her a little something sweet.  Don't we have fun when we see Daddy?  He gives us candy.  Don't we have fun when we see Mommy?  She gives us treats.   It's an arms race with no winners.  Denying short term enjoyment is easier to do when you aren't battling with your former spouse for the primary affections of your child.  

I get that there are plenty of married parents who use sugar to control their children.  I get that divorce is sometimes necessary.  I get all that.  That's not what I'm talking about.  Got any perspective on this issue?   Please share it in the comments.