A new survey commissioned by Borden Cheese reveals that the pressure on parents to create magical summer moments is at an all-time high, with 72% of American parents 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 a nationally representative sample of parents, highlights the struggle between the desire for memorable experiences and the reality of hectic schedules.
Jenny Mehlman, senior director of marketing, cheese, taste and flavors at Dairy Farmers of America, noted, "Sometimes we get so caught up in the daily hustle, we forget to slow down and enjoy the little moments. 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." To that end, the company is promoting three parenting hacks that emerged from the survey as top strategies for reclaiming family time.
The first hack is allowing more flexibility with children's routines. Nearly half of respondents (45%) plan to embrace looser schedules, including later bedtimes, slower mornings, and less structured playtime. This approach aims to foster spontaneous adventures and creativity, reminiscent of childhood summers past.
Second, prioritizing fun over perfection is a mindset shift for 39% of parents who plan to be more lenient with expectations. Instead of elaborate vacations or curated calendars, these families focus on connection through simple pleasures like picnics, pool time, and game nights.
Third, planning simpler meals is a key strategy for one-third of respondents. The survey found that 84% of parents rely on quick meal and snack solutions like mac and cheese, deli meat wraps, and cheese and cracker boards at least once per week during summer. Borden Cheese Individually Wrapped Singles are positioned to help with easy meal hacks and nostalgia-inducing weekly giveaways, available at BordenCheese.com/SimpleSummerFun. The site also features family-friendly recipes, such as the Juicy Lucy Cheeseburger Sliders, which offer a quick and delicious option for busy parents.
The survey underscores a broader trend: parents are seeking ways to reduce summer stress while still creating meaningful experiences. By adopting these simple hacks, families can focus on genuine connection and carefree fun.
