Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and husband to tennis superstar Serena Williams, has never been shy about expressing his fulfillment and joy in fatherhood. His recent social media posts continue to highlight his deep connection with his two daughters, particularly with his elder daughter, Olympia. His unique blend of entrepreneurship and fatherhood has provided fans with a window into his family life, filled with heartwarming moments and valuable life lessons.
Last year, in a conversation with filmmaker Ken Burns, Ohanian professed his love for being a dad to girls, stating, “I figured I was destined to have girls, and there’s a part of me that just knew—and it’s awesome to be a girl-dad.” This sentiment has been reflected consistently in his interactions with his daughters, ranging from fun-filled golf weekends to his insightful discussions on the juggling act between business and parenthood on his podcast.
Recently, Olympia, Ohanian’s 7-year-old daughter, warmed her father’s heart with a gesture that showcased her burgeoning interest in cooking. The budding home chef handed her father a handwritten breakfast menu, a simple but sincere act that drew her father’s admiration. Unable to contain his delight, Ohanian shared this precious moment with his followers on Instagram.
The handcrafted menu, detailing a hearty meal of pancakes, spinach, potatoes, scrambled eggs, dessert, and fruit, was evidence of Olympia’s growing passion for cooking. This isn’t the first time Olympia has showcased her culinary skills; previously, she had been seen making homemade pizza and baking cookies, much to the delight of her father who proudly documented these instances on social media.
Ohanian, fondly nicknamed ‘Papa Pancakes,’ has continually emphasized the importance of enjoying the little things, from making special pancakes for his daughters to sharing Star Wars adventures at Disney World. These cherished moments are an integral part of the family’s routine and serve as poignant reminders of the bond they share.
Ohanian’s parenting style is far from traditional. He consistently infuses fun and empowerment into his daughters’ daily life, a practice that aligns with the family’s values. Serena Williams previously highlighted this approach during their ‘Papa Pancakes’ mornings, a beloved family tradition that sees Ohanian making pancakes for his daughters every weekend.
In fact, during Lingo Spike Sessions last November, when asked about their family’s regular weekend breakfast, Serena’s answer was instant: “Papa pancakes.” Ohanian added a heartwarming detail to this tradition, “When Olympia was little and couldn’t really speak, I’d make alphabet letters in the pancakes for every letter in her name. I can’t take all the credit for her learning to read, but pancakes definitely played a part.”
Despite his professional commitments, Ohanian prioritizes his role as a father, often taking time out of his busy schedule to participate in his daughters’ activities or impart essential life lessons. For him, fatherhood is not merely a title; it’s a commitment he embraces with fervor, passion, and joy.
This level of parental involvement and the constant portrayal of familial warmth and love have endeared the Ohanian-Williams family to fans globally. Their open and honest depiction of parenting, coupled with the joys and challenges it brings, continues to inspire and entertain their followers.