Every kid throws temper tantrums and behaves impulsively once in a while. But new research suggests

that a lack of self-control during youth may predict health problems, less financial stability and a criminal

record by adulthood.

In a survey of more than 1,000 children who were studied from birth to age 32, scientists found that kids

who scored lowest on measures of self-control--those who were more impulsive and easily frustrated and

had the most trouble with delaying gratification or waiting their turn in line--were roughly three times as

likely by adulthood to report having multiple health problems and addictions, earning less than $20,000 a

year, becoming a single parent or committing a crime than kids with the most self-control.

The good news is that self-control can be learned. Children in the study who improved self-control on

their own as they grew older reported fewer health and criminal behavior problems than those who

remained impulsive. So school and family interventions that teach kids to self-regulate early on may lead

to healthier and more stable adults.