As summer kicks into high gear, many New York City metro area parents are feeling the heat — not from the weather, but from the pressure to create picture-perfect seasonal experiences. A new survey commissioned by Borden Cheese and conducted among American parents reveals that 72% of respondents believe summers used to be simpler in terms of activities and expectations. Among that group, 89% said it's important for their children to experience simple summers, highlighting a growing desire to reclaim the carefree days of childhood.
The survey, released July 1, 2026, underscores a mounting stress on adults during the summer months, as they juggle scheduling activities, packing endless meals and keeping the family happy. “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 implications of these findings are significant for families across the New York City metro area, where packed schedules and high expectations often dominate. Parents are increasingly looking for ways to simplify, with 81% saying they plan to use hacks to make summer more relaxing. The survey offers three key strategies: allowing more flexibility with 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, creating room for spontaneous adventures. Meanwhile, 39% plan to adopt a “fun over perfection” mindset, focusing on connection rather than elaborate vacations or curated calendars. Simpler meals are also a priority: 84% of parents rely on quick solutions like mac and cheese, deli meat wraps or cheese boards at least once a week during summer. Borden Cheese is supporting these efforts with its SimpleSummerFun campaign, offering family-friendly recipes and weekly giveaways, such as the Juicy Lucy Cheeseburger Sliders that combine ground beef, Borden American Melts and simple toppings for a quick, crowd-pleasing meal.
For New York City metro families, the takeaway is clear: letting go of perfection and embracing simple, shared moments can reduce stress and strengthen bonds. By adopting these hacks, parents can focus on what truly matters — quality time — without the added pressure of orchestrating every detail.
