Alexis Ohanian and Serena Williams smiling together at a public event
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Alexis Ohanian Shares the No. 1 Parenting Rule He and Serena Williams Follow

The tech founder opened up about how he and tennis legend Serena Williams guide their daughters Olympia and Adira.

By Nina BrooksPublished Updated 2 min read

Alexis Ohanian is offering fans a rare glimpse inside his household with legendary tennis icon Serena Williams, opening up about the core parenting philosophy that guides their family life. The tech executive revealed the main rule that he and his famous wife strictly enforce for their two young daughters as they prepare the girls for their future endeavors. The couple, who officially tied the knot in 2017 during a lavish celebration, are parents to two daughters: 9-year-old Olympia and 3-year-old Adira. Despite their global superstar status and demanding professional schedules, the pair stay committed to keeping their family grounded, structured, and focused on core personal values.

Serena Williams Alexis Ohanian Parenting Rules According to reports, Ohanian explained that he and Williams maintain a unified approach when guiding their children through childhood. Rather than pressuring their daughters to follow a specific path in athletics, business, or entertainment, the couple focuses on how the girls approach whatever activities they select for themselves. The tech entrepreneur emphasized that his top priority as a father is ensuring both Olympia and Adira learn how to give maximum effort in everything they pursue. Whether the young girls decide to pick up a tennis racket, build a business, or explore creative outlets, their parents expect total dedication, enthusiasm, and perseverance from start to finish.

Inside Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian Family Dynamic Over the years, Williams and Ohanian have frequently shared glimpses of their home routines on social media, highlighting how they balance their high-powered careers with active, hands-on parenting. From attending major events as a family to enjoying simple weekend activities at home, the couple places family life at the top of their priorities. With two active daughters growing up in the public spotlight, Ohanian noted that establishing strong values early on is essential. By holding their children to consistent standards and teaching them to aim high, the power couple hopes to provide both Olympia and Adira with the discipline and self-assurance needed to excel in whatever paths they choose later in life. Ultimately, Ohanian and Williams aim to foster an environment where their daughters feel supported to dream big while understanding that success requires real work. As their girls grow up, the parents remain dedicated to steering them forward with equal parts love, structure, and high expectations.

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The backstory

Verified moments, in order.

Alexis Ohanian: The founder, the marriage, the fatherhood reset

A tech-company sale establishes his career. Marriage to Serena Williams and the arrival of their daughters put parenting, paid leave and representation at the center of his public life.

  1. The startup that changes his career

    Alexis Ohanian — The startup that changes his career

    After graduating from the University of Virginia, Ohanian co-founds a social-discussion platform with Steve Huffman. The business goes through the startup accelerator Y Combinator and sells to a publishing company in 2006, establishing Ohanian as a tech entrepreneur.

  2. A meeting in Rome starts the relationship

    Alexis Ohanian — A meeting in Rome starts the relationship

    Ohanian meets Serena Williams at the Cavalieri hotel in Rome while she is there for a tennis tournament. They begin dating and announce their engagement in December 2016.

  3. A daughter, then a wedding

    Alexis Ohanian — A daughter, then a wedding

    Williams gives birth to their first daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., on September 1. Ohanian and Williams marry in New Orleans on November 16, making their first year as parents the start of their marriage, too.

  4. Paternity leave becomes a public cause

    Alexis Ohanian — Paternity leave becomes a public cause

    Ohanian campaigns for paid family leave, drawing on the 16 weeks he takes after Olympia’s birth. Williams’s emergency C-section and subsequent medical complications make that time at home especially consequential. He urges fathers to take leave rather than treat it as a career liability.

  5. 2020-06Flashpoint

    He gives up his board seat

    Alexis Ohanian — He gives up his board seat

    Amid protests following George Floyd’s killing and scrutiny of racism on the platform he co-founded, Ohanian resigns from its board and asks that a Black candidate replace him. He explicitly connects the decision to being the father of a Black daughter. Entrepreneur Michael Seibel is appointed days later.

  6. A new investment firm takes shape

    Alexis Ohanian — A new investment firm takes shape

    Ohanian announces a $150 million inaugural fund for Seven Seven Six. The move follows his departure from Initialized Capital, the venture firm he co-founded in 2011, and gives him a new base for backing startups.

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People also ask

What parenting rule do Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian follow?
Alexis Ohanian revealed that he and Serena Williams expect their daughters to give full effort and dedication in whatever pursuits they choose to undertake.
How many children do Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian have?
The couple has two daughters together: 9-year-old Olympia and 3-year-old Adira.