MADERA, Calif. – The Madera District Fair opened Thursday, offering more than just rides and fair food – it’s an opportunity for families to spend meaningful time together. Experts say that kind of time can have lasting benefits for a child’s health and well-being.
“Quality time is essential for healthy child development because it provides the context where children feel seen, safe, and valued,” said Ashley Phillips, pediatric psychologist with Valley Children’s Healthcare. “Consistent, positive interactions build secure attachment, which is the foundation for emotional regulating, resilience, and self-esteem.”
Phillips says quality time doesn’t have to be complicated, it simply means being present and engaged. Examples include playing board games, cooking together, going for walks or bike rides, or enjoying a trip to the fair.
“What makes it ‘quality’ time isn’t the activity itself, but the presence and interactions,” said Phillips. “Talking together, sharing your memories of the fair, laughing, and noticing what the child enjoys are all great ways to make the fair a quality experience.”
Spending time together also helps children feel emotionally secure and gives them a sense of belonging.
“Children who experience consistent and positive family interactions are less anxious and are better able to manage stress,” she said. “It also reinforces that the child is valued and has a stable place in the family system, which promotes lifelong confidence.”
The Madera District Fair runs through Sunday and is free to children 12 and under. For more information – including hours of operation and the fair schedule – click here.
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