#Japan #Tokyo #PRIZMA #iTAN #Summer Stress

The Battle of Summer Vacation for Moms

Summer vacation is often seen as a joyous time for families, but recent findings unveil a different story for many mothers. A survey conducted by iTAN, aimed at women with children in preschool through middle school, highlights the top stressors moms face during this period. At the forefront is the daunting task of meal preparation, with 74.5% of respondents ranking it as the top challenge. This revelation sheds light on not just the effort but the economic burden mothers carry as they juggle their children's needs during these long months.

Key Findings of the Survey

From June 25 to June 26, 2025, iTAN deployed this survey, which included 1,008 mothers, to assess their experiences during summer vacation. They were asked about the intensity of stress related to both meal preparation and rising food costs. The results were telling: alongside meal prep, 37.5% reported increased grocery bills, and 32.6% highlighted the additional burden of homework assistance. Clearly, moms are facing multiple layers of stress during this time.

Meal Preparation: A Major Challenge

When mothers were asked how they feel about the responsibility of preparing meals during summer, a staggering 73% strongly agreed that it is quite challenging, while another 20.8% echoed this sentiment somewhat. This illustrates the significant pressure moms feel regarding everyday meal planning, particularly when responsible for three meals a day. Respondents reported the following breakdown of challenges in meal preparation:

• - Three meals a day: 74.7%
• - Coming up with a menu: 67.8%
• - Ensuring nutritional balance: 38.6%

These numbers reveal not just physical but psychological hurdles. The added responsibility of planning meals that meet nutritional standards while considering family preferences and budget constraints creates considerable stress.

Time Consumed in Meal Prep

The survey also sought to quantify the time mothers spend preparing meals. The majority, about 38.8%, indicated that they spend 30 minutes to an hour daily on meal preparation, while 10% stated it takes them 2 to 3 hours. This highlights the cumulative effect of meal preparation over weeks and the very real time commitment families need to consider during summer break.

Coping Strategies for Meal Prep

To ease the burden of meal preparation, many mothers turn to practical solutions. The survey found that:

• - Frozen foods: 46.4%
• - Store-bought dishes or bento: 44.5%
• - Instant foods: 44.1%

These options serve as quick solutions for busy moms looking to manage their time better. Another common method involves meal prepping; about 40% of respondents indicated they make meals in advance to streamline their cooking schedule throughout the week.

Financial Impact of Increased Meal Prep

As families grapple with meal planning, the financial implications also emerge. The survey revealed that nearly 90% of mothers perceive their grocery expenses to rise during summer, with 49.4% saying expenses increase significantly. Costs spiked due to more family members being around and more meals to prepare, alongside a tendency to eat out more frequently.

Mom's also shared their projected increase in food expenses:

• - Under ¥15,000: 28.8%
• - ¥5,000 - ¥10,000: 22.5%

This increase may seem small on a month-to-month basis, but when accumulated annually, it results in a significant financial pressure on a family budget.

Strategies for Reducing Food Expenses

To offset the financial strain, moms employ various strategies to manage grocery costs better. They prioritize buying discounted items (47.5%), while others wait for sales (46.4%) or purchase in bulk (46.0%). This indicates a strategic approach to budgeting and meal planning showcases how moms adapt in response to financial pressures.

Moreover, interest in utilizing technology for savings is high. Approximately 90% are eager to use apps that provide access to grocery coupons and deals, signifying an alignment with seeking efficient solutions to manage costs effectively. The motivations for this request include:

• - Access to discounts: 65.9%
• - Easily check sales: 50.6%
• - Avoid trips to stores for info: 27.5%

Conclusion

This survey reflects the immense challenges faced by mothers during summer vacations, particularly centered around meal preparation and budgeting. The increased demand on their time, combined with financial pressures from rising grocery bills, elucidates the pressures of balancing family responsibilities while ensuring a healthy and safe environment for their children. The desire for convenient access to coupons and smart shopping strategies reveals a proactive approach to managing household finances effectively. Overall, summer vacations showcase the critical skills mothers must employ to maintain their family’s well-being and satisfaction during challenging times.