‘We Don’t Allow Her’ – Serena Williams Reveals the Strict Rule She and Husband Alexis Ohanian Enforce for Daughter Olympia

“It isn’t easy to become a mother. I totally do not (get it). I’m a mess,” Serena Williams had said back in 2019, talking about her then two-year-old daughter Olympia. As a first time mother, there was a mammoth task in front of the tennis superstar—raising a child and working on her career. However, with the help of her very hands-on husband Alexis Ohanian, things definitely became easier. From taking a 16-week paid parental leave—mostly unheard at the time—to taking care of their toddler while his wife was out making history, Ohanian’s contribution helped maintain sanity in the household and Williams’ life.

A source close to the family had reported last year, “Alexis is such a hands-on dad and so caring and supportive. He’s loving being surrounded by women and takes the role of girl dad very seriously,” after the birth of the couple’s second daughter, Adira. But despite that, it wasn’t easy as the 23-time Grand Slam winner talked about the difficulty of her second pregnancy and postpartum depression. In a conversation with Harper’s Bazaar UK, she vividly recalled her fourth trimester when Olympia’s missing water bottle made her burst into tears, lamenting she wanted everything to be “perfect for her[Olympia]”. 

But now that the couple has weathered the difficult task of childbearing, a tougher task presents itself: Parenting. In a candid revelation, Williams offered insight into her parenting style. And it’s much more relatable than you think, because it’s not just love but also a lot of discipline that the mother of two upholds in her children’s life. There is even one thing that is totally off-limits…

Williams shared an interesting revelation about her parenting style and strict policies in this digital age.

Last Thursday, Williams attended the INBOUND podcast and spoke about how she handles her seven-year-old Olympia’s upbringing amid social media. “It’s a scary world. It’s a digital world for kids right now. I’m always on with my daughter, but we don’t allow her on certain platforms,” Serena said, adding how “you never know” what kids pick from social media. The tennis star said she believes monitoring the child’s digital activity is important.

The former World No. 1’s statement might seem intriguing, considering her elder daughter Olympia already has an Instagram account. However, things are slightly different…

Olympia’s Instagram account might seem like the toddler’s personal diary showcasing moments from her life with her baby sister and other family members, but it is managed by her parents. The former WTA star started the account after Olympia’s birth and has maintained its engagement with regular updates about her seven-year-old’s life.

While the Williams-Ohanian family ensures they never miss out on Olympia’s favorites, they are not comfortable with their elder daughter’s presence on certain social media platforms. “I feel we might try to take it slow with her and do a little bit slower with electronics, and just let her be a kid for as long as you can,” said Williams. Offering her take on parenting in the digital age, this former WTA star dropped an inspirational statement about motherhood that left many in awe.

Serena Williams leaves inspirational parenting advice

This 23-time Grand Slam champion gave birth to her first daughter in 2017. When she retired in 2022, she started her beauty brand, WYN Beauty. Despite her hectic schedule, Williams has never compromised on her time with her daughters.

In the same conversation, the 42-year-old expressed this sentiment with a heartfelt statement. “I don’t have any (advice). That’s all I do. I could barely wake up today! I feel like Everybody’s a champion. You don’t have to be winning Wimbledon or a gold medal to be a champion. Being a champion is really just being there for your kids. I think that’s a huge champion,” said Serena Williams.

Even after her BFF and Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle gave birth to her first child, Archie, in 2019, Williams had the same advice (or lack thereof). “You know what, I never pass on words of wisdom, because I feel like (when everyone has a kid)-especially when they’ve just had a baby-it’s so difficult to just be.”

Serena Williams showcased her thoughtful side of motherhood through her statement. While she does many special things for Olympia, she also channels a firm parenting style for her daughters’ safety in an age where digital media has dangerously impacted many lives. Williams’ decision reflects the concerns of any mother, and her approach to parenting has delighted many with her sense of responsibility. But do you agree with Williams’ parenting style?