A new survey commissioned by Borden Cheese reveals that American parents are under significant pressure to create magical summer moments, with 72% of respondents feeling that summers used to be simpler in terms of activities and expectations. Among those, 89% said it's important for their children to experience simple summers. The survey, conducted among American parents, highlights the growing stress around scheduling, meal preparation, and keeping the family happy during the summer months.
Jenny Mehlman, senior director of marketing, cheese, taste and flavors at Dairy Farmers of America, noted that parents often get caught up in the daily hustle and forget to slow down. "Borden Cheese wants to help parents drop the high expectations, embrace a little bit of the mess and remember how good a simple, relaxed summer can feel," she said. The company aims to support families by promoting strategies that simplify summer, a tactic 81% of parents surveyed plan to use.
The survey identified three key parenting hacks to help reduce summer stress. First, allowing more flexibility with children's routines: nearly half of respondents (45%) plan to embrace later bedtimes, slower mornings, and less structured playtime, fostering spontaneous adventures reminiscent of their own childhoods.
Second, prioritizing fun over perfection: 39% of parents said they will be more lenient with expectations, focusing on connection rather than elaborate vacations or curated calendars. This mindset shift encourages families to enjoy simple pleasures like picnics, pool time, and game nights.
Third, planning simpler meals: one-third of respondents intend to make simpler meals a regular part of their menu, with 84% relying on quick solutions like mac and cheese, deli meat wraps, or cheese and cracker boards at least once per week during summer. Borden Cheese is supporting this trend with family-friendly recipes and weekly giveaways. For example, the Juicy Lucy Cheeseburger Sliders, made with Borden American Melts, offer a quick and tasty meal option that feels special without extra work.
Parents can visit BordenCheese.com/SimpleSummerFun to find more easy, cheesy meal ideas and learn how to participate in weekly giveaways. The initiative underscores a broader cultural shift toward embracing simplicity and reducing the pressure to achieve a picture-perfect summer.
By adopting these hacks, families can reclaim their summer breaks, focusing on genuine connection and carefree fun rather than stress and perfectionism. The survey was commissioned by Borden Cheese and conducted among American parents to understand summer pressures and identify solutions for creating memorable moments without the hassle.
