Serena Williams just withdrew from a tournament and revealed she struggles with feeling like a “good mom”
We have the utmost respect for moms everywhere, because motherhood is hard, and it’s not made any easier by the insane amount of societal pressure to “do it all” (often at the expense of a woman’s own health and well-being). That’s why we love the fact that Serena Williams just got incredibly real about the not-so-perfect side of motherhood, reminding moms everywhere that it’s normal to feel like you’re struggling.
The tennis champ has been open every step of the way about her journey to motherhood—from detailing the scary medical complications after her C-section to the sadness she felt after missing her daughter’s first steps. In a new Instagram post on Monday, August 6th, Williams says she withdrew from the Rogers Cup tennis tournament in Toronto after realizing she was “in a funk” and wasn’t feeling like a “good mom,” and explained that she sometimes feels like she’s “not doing enough” for her daughter Alexis.
"Last week was not easy for me. Not only was I accepting some tough personal stuff, but I just was in a funk. Mostly, I felt like I was not a good mom," she shared in the caption of a stunning beachside photo.
She explained that she “read several articles that said postpartum emotions can last up to three years if not dealt with,” stressing the importance of communication. “Talking things through with my mom, my sisters, my friends let me know that my feelings are totally normal,” she said, adding, “It’s totally normal to feel like I’m not doing enough for my baby.”
“Most of you moms deal with the same thing. Whether stay-at-home or working, finding that balance with kids is a true art. You are the true heroes,” she added, letting fellow moms know that if they’re also having a rough day or week—she is too.
We love that Williams is so candid about the challenges of motherhood. Parenting is tough even on a good day, and these kinds of messages remind parents that it’s okay to not feel “perfect” all the time. We’re proud of Williams for speaking out, and we give so much credit to all parents for doing the job they do every single day.
