Serena Williams is opening up about the early days of motherhood with her daughter, Olympia.
The tennis legend shares eight-year-old Olympia and two-year-old Adira with her husband, Alexis Ohanian.
According to Williams, despite the demands of her busy career, she never spent more than 24 hours away from Olympia until she turned six. She admitted the rule may have been “a little extreme,” but said it was her way of showing up for her children every day.
Serena Williams Claims She Tries To Be A Present Parent
Appearing on a special live taping of “IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson,” Williams opened up about life as a mum of two.
The tennis legend became a mother in 2017 when she welcomed her first daughter, Olympia. She expanded her family again in 2023 with the birth of her second daughter, Adira, one year after stepping away from active tennis.
However, she has since been reinstated as an active player, fueling speculation about a possible comeback to the sport.
Outside of tennis, Williams is also involved in several ventures, including her fashion brand, S by Serena. Despite juggling multiple responsibilities, she told the hosts that she makes a conscious effort to remain a “present parent.”
“Sometimes that’s hard, especially with the lives that we live; it’s very hard to be present, but I try to be extremely present,” Williams said.
Williams Reveals The ‘Extreme’ Parenting Rule She Wouldn’t Break
Williams’ confession prompted her hosts to ask how she manages to stay present, leading to a response that may have left many shocked by her approach.
“I’m never gone more than 24 hours, ever,” Williams said. “I didn’t leave Olympia until she was 6 for 24 hours. That may have been a little extreme, but that’s who I am.”
Expanding on the mindset behind her approach, Williams explained that it was all about trying to show up for her children as much as possible every day.
She emphasized that they mean “the most” to her, especially because she wants to remain an active parent despite her many commitments.
Serena Williams ‘Cried Harder’ After Disciplining Her Daughter
Despite her love for her children, Williams has not hesitated to introduce discipline into her parenting when necessary.
Earlier this year, she shared an instance with fans in which she had to discipline one of her children after the child ignored an instruction she had given.
“I told my daughter to go to bed. She did not. Therefore, she missed out on her sleep over. She cried. But what she did not know is I cried harder,” Williams wrote on X. “I hate when she cries. Discipline sucks. But sometimes it’s important.”
Williams Said Motherhood Is Her ‘Favorite Place To Be’
In April, the tennis icon shared a series of heartwarming photos on Instagram featuring moments with her two children, along with snapshots of her husband and other family members.
The children appeared full of joy throughout the photos, striking adorable poses, flashing peace signs, and pulling playful facial expressions for the camera.
Alongside the pictures, Williams shared a heartfelt caption expressing just how deeply she cherishes being a mom.
“I don’t share these moments often, but being their mom is my favorite place to be,” Williams said. “I’m with them 363 out of 365 days a year — and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. This weekend was everything.”
Serena Williams’ Husband Reveals His Two Parenting ‘Cheat Codes’
Williams’ husband is also deeply involved in parenting their children, though his approach differs slightly.
Earlier in the month, Alexis Ohanian shared photos of himself and the children outside a LEGO store they had just visited. Ohanian explained how LEGO games, along with other measures, have helped make parenting easier for him.
“Papa has two cheat codes: 1. Unlimited LEGOs as long as you finish the last set 2. Unlimited books as long as you finish the last book,” Ohanian told his followers in the caption of the post.
He added, “And sometimes we get to visit the LEGO store and bookstore in the same day (DiDi doing her LEGO @cristiano impression here).”