A new survey commissioned by Borden Cheese reveals that American parents are feeling heightened pressure to create magical summer memories, with many finding the effort exhausting rather than enjoyable. The survey of U.S. parents found that 72% believe summers used to be simpler in terms of activities and expectations, and among those, 89% say it’s important for their children to experience simple summers. To combat the stress, 81% of parents plan to use hacks to simplify the season.
“Summer is the time for enjoying the sunshine, fresh air, endless day time and quality time with family and friends,” said Jenny Mehlman, senior director of marketing, cheese, taste and flavors at Dairy Farmers of America. “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.”
The survey highlights three key strategies parents are adopting. First, 45% of respondents are allowing more flexibility in children’s routines, such as later bedtimes and less structured playtime. Second, 39% are prioritizing fun over perfection, letting go of elaborate plans to focus on connection. Third, 33% plan to simplify meals, with 84% relying on quick solutions like mac and cheese or cheese boards at least once a week during summer.
Borden Cheese is supporting these efforts with its Individually Wrapped Singles and a new campaign offering family-friendly recipes, easy meal hacks and weekly giveaways. For example, the Juicy Lucy Cheeseburger Sliders combine ground beef, Borden American Melts and simple toppings for a quick meal. The company encourages parents to visit BordenCheese.com/SimpleSummerFun for more ideas and giveaway details.
The implications for parents are clear: by lowering expectations and using simple hacks, families can reclaim the carefree spirit of summer without the burnout. For the food industry, the trend underscores a growing demand for convenient, family-friendly meal solutions that reduce kitchen stress.
