NEW YORK, NY — Summer magic doesn't happen by accident, and for many parents, the pressure to create memorable moments can feel overwhelming. According to a new survey commissioned by Borden Cheese, 72% of American parents believe 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 highlights a growing desire among parents to reclaim relaxed family time amid the hustle of scheduling activities, packing meals, and keeping everyone happy.
Jenny Mehlman, senior director of marketing, cheese, taste and flavors at Dairy Farmers of America, noted, "Summer is the time for enjoying the sunshine, fresh air, endless day time and quality time with family and friends. Sometimes we get so caught up in the daily hustle, we forget to slow down and enjoy the little moments." To help parents drop high expectations and embrace a relaxed summer, Borden Cheese is promoting three hacks based on survey responses from parents planning to simplify their summers.
The first hack is allowing more flexibility with children's routines. With 45% of respondents embracing this approach, families can enjoy later bedtimes, slower mornings, and less structured playtime. This flexibility creates room for spontaneous adventures that many parents remember from their own childhoods. The second hack is prioritizing fun over perfection. Instead of striving for elaborate vacations or curated calendars, 39% of parents plan to be more lenient with self-expectations, focusing on connection through simple pleasures like picnics, pool time, and game nights. The third hack is planning simpler meals. One-third of respondents plan to incorporate simpler meals regularly, with 84% relying on quick solutions like mac and cheese, deli meat wraps, and cheese and cracker boards at least once a week during summer.
To support these efforts, Borden Cheese is offering family-friendly recipes and weekly giveaways through its Simple Summer Fun campaign. The campaign includes recipes like Juicy Lucy Cheeseburger Sliders, which use Borden American Melts to create a quick, crowd-pleasing meal. The recipe calls for 1 pound ground beef, 4 slices of Borden American Melts quartered, 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion, 1 tablespoon steakhouse seasoning, 8 slider buns, and optional toppings like burger sauce, caramelized onions, and pickle chips. After forming patties and pressing cheese and onions between them, the sliders cook in 8-10 minutes.
The survey underscores a broader trend: 81% of parents plan to use hacks to simplify summers, reflecting a shift away from the pressure to create picture-perfect experiences. By relaxing expectations and embracing mess, families can make space for genuine, carefree fun. Borden Cheese's initiative aims to help parents slow down and enjoy the little moments, reminding them that simple summers can be the most memorable.
