A colleague at work was chatting to me about this at break the other night - there was an article in the newspaper..
It doesn't surprise me though.. Had a couple of disagreements with my Mum who used to over indulge my three when they were toddlers and she was helping out for the day. When I'd pick them up they'd be on a real sugar high and initially I didn't want to say anything as it was so good that she could help me out - it was before the days of au-pairs.. Our strategy of fruit for treats was wiped out after a couple of months though so eventually I had 'words' and she did cut down on the treats.
NHS article
BBC summary
I bet it'll cause a few family rows round the extended family Sunday roasts at the weekend..
Re. Au Pairs in the survey - I unconciously have a 'generosity rating' with our au-pairs on how often they bring back the odd treat home for the kids.. we did have one girl who was so kind and she brought something home every time she went out.. We'd reciprocate as often as possible because it was so nice to have that sort of relationship. Problem is she must have spenta fiver a week on them! Kids were sad when eventually she moved on..!