The Mouse Effect: Rich or poor, experts say raising children using the “Hungry Mouse Effect” leads to greater success. What is this effect?

Education experts believe that applying the "hungry mouse effect" will help children to thrive and succeed from an early age.

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The phenomenon of the hungry mouse was described by American scientist Chris McKay in an experiment that surprised many people. He divided newly born mice into 2 groups. The first group was fed fully every day, and they lived for about 1,000 days. The second group was fed about 60% of their needs, often hungry but survived for about 2,000 days. This study is called the “Hungry Mouse Effect”.

This means that when being overfed and living a comfortable life, the first group of mice had no motivation to survive, while the second group, experiencing deprivation, had the strength to survive. This is also in line with the saying: “Eat until 70% full, get drunk 30% and treat others kindly 80%”.

From then on, many people have said that applying the hungry mouse effect to raising children will help them have motivation and better prospects in life.

The Hungry Mouse Effect shows that a little deprivation in life can lead to more effort

Mice always have enough to eat

It cannot be denied that smartphones are indispensable in today’s life. When you have a smartphone in your hand and connected to the internet, you will feel that your life is perfect.

You even take your phone to the bathroom to watch videos. You leave your phone next to you while brushing your teeth and washing your face. Before going to sleep, you send text messages and browse the web. There is always something to do on your phone until it runs out of battery.

All your free time, even for a short moment, is filled with your phone.

However, what do you gain after wasting your free time? Irritation, complaints, frustration, envy, worry, fatigue, physical pain… The more you use your phone, the more your physical health is worn down and your spirit becomes exhausted.

Now let’s talk about the children of today. They are given too much by their parents. Many babies do not do anything; it seems that besides studying, they have no responsibilities in life. Nevertheless, the achievements of these children are not always good.

Many parents believe that their children only need to excel at school, and they take care of everything. They make their children study from morning till evening, then send them to various extracurricular classes on the weekends to keep up with their peers. Parents do not want their children to fall behind from the start, so they push them to study all week long.

The reality proves that children hate it when their parents arrange their study schedules for them.

Many parents care too much and provide too many privileges for their children. When they were young, parents took care of their every meal and sleep, and focused heavily on their education. When they grow up, parents worry about their future homes. They work and borrow money to buy a house, so their children don’t have to worry.

Some even prepare a large sum of money for their children to start a business, so that they don’t have to worry about their livelihood.

Will these children who grow up like this become promising or successful individuals? The reality shows that they will rely on their parents and not find meaning in life, nor understand the value of hard work.

The future of “slightly hungry mice”

Many children, when their lives are not overly abundant with material possessions but have the desire to strive, will rise stronger. If you let your children live in an imperfect way, even experiencing a little deprivation, it will be very beneficial for their future.

Let your children experience a taste of hardship in life, at least not always meeting all their demands. The most important thing is for children to learn to earn money through their own efforts.

Poverty is also a form of education. Money is only valued when it is hard-earned, for both adults and children. Therefore, parents should not give their children too much money, as they will spend it recklessly and squander their riches.

When teenagers enter adolescence, parents need to learn to let go. Gradually, you will see that your children no longer hesitate. Look at little deer, they are kicked, hit, and forced to stand up as soon as they are born. This is because just nearby there are tigers and leopards waiting, and if they don’t run, they will become prey.

Parents should let their children become independent, so that when they grow up and enter society, they will be much more mature. A child who is fed and dressed normally, wearing simple clothes and not carrying too much money, is good for their development. Unsatisfied with life, humans will always pursue satisfaction and continuous improvement. Of course, providing a little deprivation for children must go hand in hand with guidance and education rather than abandoning them cruelly.

Frequently asked questions

The study suggests that a little deprivation can lead to a stronger motivation to survive and thrive. This concept can be applied to various aspects of human life, including parenting. By not giving children everything they want and allowing them to experience some hardships, parents can instill a sense of motivation and drive, potentially leading to better prospects in life.

Applying the Hungry Mouse Effect to parenting can teach children the value of hard work and help them develop a strong work ethic. It can also foster independence, resilience, and a sense of satisfaction from earning things through their own efforts. Additionally, experiencing some deprivation can help children develop a healthier relationship with technology and free time, avoiding the negative consequences of excessive screen time.

While the Hungry Mouse Effect can be beneficial, it is important for parents to provide guidance and support alongside any deprivation. Completely abandoning children or neglecting their needs is not advisable and can have detrimental effects. It is a delicate balance between providing challenges and ensuring their basic needs are met.

Parents can strike a balance by setting reasonable boundaries and expectations. For example, instead of giving children unlimited access to smartphones or other devices, they can set time limits and encourage offline activities. Parents can also teach children the value of money by providing an allowance and helping them understand the importance of earning and saving. It’s about creating a sense of independence and responsibility while still providing a safety net.
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