Journalist and author Tim Lott and his 9-year-old daughter Louise often argue nightly. The cause of their arguments is her habit of leaving dinner unfinished and then secretly eating snacks she’s hidden in her room, despite promising not to eat anything until the next day. Lott fears that he’s unable to build a trustful relationship with Louise because she easily lies, and he worries this behavior might also harm her social relationships in the future.

Having mutual trust during enjoyable family times is crucial. Trust allows family members to believe in each other’s words and have clear expectations of their actions. So, how can a parent-child trust relationship be built?

One way is for parents to practice what they preach. By doing so, they demonstrate an effort to uphold their own words and actions. In Lott’s case, promising his daughter that she can have a reasonable amount of snacks if she tells the truth, and then following through, might teach the importance of honesty.

Additionally, frequent communication is essential. By increasing everyday casual conversations, misunderstandings can be reduced, aiding in the development of trust.

While trust may be a marker of an ideal family image, the concept of “what a family should be” is becoming more diverse. In this newsletter, we explore various “family styles,” reflecting a multifaceted perspective on the ideal family image.

In August in Israel, an adoption application by a same-sex couple was rejected. In response to this announcement, Roei Mimran, who has LGBTQ parents, stated, “What children need are adults who love and support them.” When considering the happiness of children, it’s important to recognize that there are various forms of families.

According to a survey in the United States, 56% of respondents believe that “eating meals with the family is one of the best ways to deepen bonds.” Many highlighted that gathering around the dining table enables sharing connections and learning the value of spending time with family. Additionally, the importance lies not just in the duration but also in “having the entire family together.”

Research has shown that pets have a positive impact on children’s development. Caring for them enhances a child’s empathy, and walking them contributes to physical health. They may also play a role in reducing stress for families, including those with autistic children. For an only child, a pet can function as a sibling substitute, indicating that pets can greatly improve not only child development but also family relationships.

Today, as family structures diversify, the background of family culture is influenced by a country’s religion and traditions. For example, in Asia, where Buddhism is widely practiced, parents often set rules for their children, who strictly adhere to them. In contrast, in individualistic cultures like the United States, children are taught to be independent from a young age, with decision-making considered important. These family cultures reflect the various forms families take.