**Serena Williams Opens Up About the Challenges of Being a Sports Parent**

**Los Angeles, California** – Kids are known for their ever-changing interests. One week, they can’t get enough of bananas, and the next, they won’t touch them. They’ll watch their favorite movie repeatedly, only to suddenly lose interest. So, what happens when they sign up for sports but lose interest or don’t put in the effort? Serena Williams recently shared her thoughts on this common dilemma in a candid new interview.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion and mother to daughters Olympia, 6, and Adira, born in August 2023, with husband Alexis Ohanian, discussed her struggle to balance pushing her kids while respecting their boundaries. “I always look at my dad and think, ‘How were you able to do that?’” Williams told The New York Times, as reported by PEOPLE. Reflecting on her father Richard, who coached both her and her sister Venus, she admitted, “I just want them to relax, and I don’t want to over-push them.”

Williams expressed her internal conflict about not pushing her children hard enough. “I would be devastated if I wasn’t pushed, because we wouldn’t be having this interview and there would never have been a Serena Williams. So, I feel so fortunate that I had that extra oomph,” she continued. Despite her own experience, she’s struggling to find that balance. “It’s definitely worth it, I can confirm from experience.”

Williams sees great potential in her daughters, particularly Olympia. “Olympia is such a bright light, and she’s so athletic, to the point where it’s just not even humanly possible,” she said. Venus, too, has noticed Olympia’s talent, remarking that the young girl has more talent than both sisters combined. “I can see how my dad may have seen some potential in us. I’m just trying to figure out a way to harness all that,” Williams explained, jokingly adding that she might need her dad to coach Olympia because she’s “too nice.”

The issue of how much to push children in sports is a common one, and it’s especially complex for a parent who knows firsthand the benefits of being pushed. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to be cautious of rushing their child’s achievements or setting unrealistic expectations. They also recommend focusing on positive feedback and fun rather than winning.

According to the Child Mind Institute, a little push can be beneficial, helping children become more confident and resilient. However, parents should watch for signs of pushing too hard, such as mood changes, irritability, extreme tantrums, or excessive arguments about playing sports. Consulting with a child’s doctor or therapist can provide additional guidance.

In the interview, Williams also discussed how she’s adapting to motherhood the second time around. “I think [the] second time around is — I’m a little bit more like, you know, if Adira falls, I don’t die like with Olympia,” she told Entertainment Tonight. “Now I’m like, ‘Oh, she’s tough, she’ll be fine.’ And she is tough.”

Reflecting on her younger self, Williams offered advice that hints at her parenting approach: “Relax a little bit more.” She explained, “I was so intense on the court and wanted to be perfect at every moment, and obviously that’s not possible. So, just take a deep breath and just relax.”

As she navigates the challenges of raising two talented daughters, Serena Williams continues to share her journey, offering insights into the delicate balance of nurturing talent while ensuring her children enjoy their childhood.

Before you go, check out these celebrity kiddos who love sports.