Serena Williams inspires mothers to share their parenting stories ahead of the U.S. Open

Kerry Justich
·Health and Wellness Staff Writer


Serena Williams may be gearing up for her return to the U.S. Open on Monday, after taking a break from last year’s tournament to give birth to her daughter, but the tennis player isn’t neglecting to recognize how her new role as a mom both humbles and empowers her, despite her superstar status.

Serena Williams preps for the U.S. Open by reflecting on some moments as a mom. (Photo: Getty Images)
Serena Williams preps for the U.S. Open by reflecting on some moments as a mom. (Photo: Getty Images)

In a post to her Instagram, Williams shared an anecdote about her latest plane journey with nearly 1-year-old Olympia, which ended with Williams covered in vomit. It’s a side of motherhood that the tennis pro might not share so often. However, she’s reminding moms about how important it is to reflect on these relatable moments.

Kids humble us. The other day on a flight home Olympia had so much energy and insisted on running up and down the aisle. When I finally got her to calm down and sit still, she threw up all over me and in the aisle. #ThisMama wants to remind all mothers the importance of supporting one another through the highs, lows, laughs and tears. _ Share your own stories of motherhood with hashtag #ThisMama. I’d love to hear them!

A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on Aug 26, 2018 at 1:12pm PDT

“Kids humble us,” Williams wrote before sharing her own story. “#ThisMama wants to remind all mothers [of] the importance of supporting one another through the highs, lows, laughs and tears.”

Calling for the support of other mothers is vital for Williams, who has dedicated her platform to understanding the trials and tribulations of being a working mom — after opening up about the difficulties of balancing it all after accepting defeat at the Wimbledon finals — and being a woman in general, as she wrote in an earlier post.

Lots of people have called this my “comeback.” But becoming a mom isn’t something I’m coming back from. It’s part of who I am. It’s been both incredibly amazing and incredibly tough, but it’s only made me stronger. Especially because of the love and support you’ve all shown me. I’ll be playing in the US Open for the first time since having Olympia and #ThisMama is gonna give it her all! @Chase

A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on Aug 22, 2018 at 10:04am PDT

As Williams shares the peaks and valleys of her motherhood journey on a worldwide stage, other moms are feeling inspired to share their own personal stories.

But moms weren’t the only ones reading these posts. One male follower joined in to ask whether dad stories were also welcome. Naturally, Williams said “of course!!!!!!!!!!” But feminist activist and writer Roxanne Gay pointed out that this particular father simply missed the point.

Overall, Williams’s moment of honesty has sparked an inspiring conversation among moms. Regardless of the outcome of the Open, this mama is a winner in our eyes.

Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:

• Serena Williams shops at Target for beauty products, just like you and me
• Serena Williams shares the inspiring lesson she learned from daughter Olympia
• Serena Williams returns to tennis dressed like a superhero, and fans are freaking out

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