A new survey commissioned by Borden Cheese reveals that American parents are feeling the pressure to create magical summer moments, leading many to seek simpler approaches. According to the survey, 72% of respondents believe summers used to be simpler in terms of activities and expectations, and 89% of that group said it's important for their children to experience simple summers. 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."
The survey found that 81% of parents plan to use hacks to simplify their summers. The top suggestions include allowing more flexibility in children's routines, prioritizing fun over perfection, and planning simpler meals. Nearly half of respondents (45%) are embracing flexibility by allowing later bedtimes, slower mornings, or less structured playtime to encourage spontaneous adventures. Meanwhile, 39% of parents plan to be more lenient with their own expectations, focusing on connection over elaborate plans. Simpler meals are also a priority, with one-third of respondents planning to incorporate quick solutions like mac and cheese, deli meat wraps, and cheese and cracker boards at least once per week.
Borden Cheese is supporting these efforts with products like their Individually Wrapped Singles and offering family-friendly recipes, easy meal hacks, and weekly giveaways at BordenCheese.com/SimpleSummerFun. One featured recipe is Juicy Lucy Cheeseburger Sliders, which uses Borden American Melts for a quick, crowd-pleasing meal. The survey underscores a broader cultural shift toward embracing imperfection and simplicity to reclaim family time during the summer months.
