Many of the instructors listed on MyTennisLessons have full time jobs and teach during their free time while others are students who are juggling classes, their busy social lives and teaching tennis. Imagine however, if you have a 9-5 job, teach tennis lessons, and are the mother of 3 kids? That is next level commitment.
For Mother’s Day we wanted to reach out to some of the tennis-teaching moms listed on MyTennisLessons and ask them what it’s like being a mother who also happens to be tennis obsessed.
Marnie S. | Tennis Instructor in Lyndhurst, OH with MyTennisLessons.com
“I have been teaching lessons and clinics for the past 15 years at all levels.”
How do you balance being a mother and being a tennis instructor? Do they ever get in the way of each other?
Outside of being a tennis teacher, I am also a special education teacher so I am always very busy. I do feel like I am missing some important things in my children’s lives, but I am always able to balance tennis and being a mom. I plan my time accordingly so that I am able to spend time with my family.
Do you teach/play tennis with your children? If so, are there any additional challenges when doing so or is it even more enjoyable?
I have a six year old and 4 year old twins. I am teaching all of them to play tennis. It is even more enjoyable to see them enjoy something that I have loved my entire life and to see a big smile on their face.
Of all of the personal traits you have developed throughout motherhood, which have proven to be most useful in your professional life as a tennis instructor?
Meeting new parents has allowed me to become more outgoing and talk to more people that I normally would not. Being more outgoing has allowed me to continue working with amazing students and meet more.
What advice would you give other mothers who are looking to get their child set up with the right tennis instructor?
When looking for a right tennis instructor, look at their background. Also see if that person is known around the area depending on how advanced in tennis your child wants to be at. Having a tennis instructor who listens, motivates, and loves tennis is great.
Martha O. | Tennis Instructor in Falls Church, VA with MyTennisLessons.com
“My teaching philosophy is to be closely involved with students and parents. My experience has taught me to focus on each individual.”
How do you balance being a mother and being a tennis instructor? Do they ever get in the way of each other?
Living in California, family activities were usually outdoors and tennis played a big role. Tennis was second nature in our families in that my in-laws, husband, my father and my brother grew up avid tennis players. Tennis was a sport, way to spend time together as a family, and a way to meet people and socialize with neighbors. In teaching my kids tennis, I always emphasized grace, cordiality, character and leadership. The challenge was to teach them to do their best and knowing that they would always find opponents that were better players.
Do you teach/play tennis with your children? If so, are there any additional challenges when doing so or is it even more enjoyable?
While my kids were in high school, I was the assistant tennis coach. My teaching philosophy was pretty much the same. Practice makes perfect and persistence will pay off. I challenged students to practice self-control and see the reward in reaching their own personal goals in addition to winning matches.
Of all of the personal traits you have developed throughout motherhood, which have proven to be most useful in your professional life as a tennis instructor?
Personality traits that apply to my teaching instruction, as well as motherhood, include patience and the ability to observe and study my students on an individual basis. Just as my two children are different, no two students are completely alike. I learn what motivates my students and modify my lesson plans accordingly. I develop caring, close relationship and “nurture” my players.
What advice would you give other mothers who are looking to get their child set up with the right tennis instructor?
My advice to parents is that tennis is an excellent sport that develops agility, flexibility, self-control and promotes social interaction. Best of all, tennis is a lifelong sport. Whether a recreational player or a tournament pro, tennis players are able to enjoy the sport for the rest of their lives. I hope you sign up for the sport of your life!
Martha G. | Tennis Instructor in Cumming, GA with MyTennisLessons.com
“I am a USPTA tennis professional with more than 15 Years of teaching experience.”
How do you balance being a mother and being a tennis instructor? Do they ever get in the way of each other?
I balance being a mother and a tennis instructor through the grace of God. As a mom and tennis instructor, I must manage my time very wisely. I constantly plan and schedule ahead to be sure that I give the right amount if attention to my students. I also need to be home to take my son to activities, church and homework.
Do you teach/play tennis with your children? If so, are there any additional challenges when doing so or is it even more enjoyable?
Yes, I teach/play tennis with my son. My son Jacob has been on the court with me since he was an infant in a stroller. He is now 6 years old and is an amazing tennis player. It is very enjoyable for me to see him playing tennis and to see how much he has listened and absorbed since infancy. He has learned many skills through tennis such as: listening, following directions, team work, hand eye coordination, movement and individuality.
Of all of the personal traits you have developed throughout motherhood, which have proven to be most useful in your professional life as a tennis instructor?
Out of all the personal traits that I have acquired in motherhood, I would say patience/listening has proved to be most useful in my professional life as a tennis instructor. Having a 6-year-old boy requires a lot of patience and listening skills. If the child sees you giving your time in a kind way it shows them you really care. Life becomes busy as we all know, but when you give your time to another it’s amazing to see the improvement. I thank God every day that he has given me the skills to teach tennis or teach my son about life. I believe both these go hand in hand.
What advice would you give other mothers who are looking to get their child set up with the right tennis instructor?
Advice I would give other mom’s who are looking for a tennis instructor:
- Someone who loves teaching tennis
- Someone who loves being around children
- Someone who is patient, kind, and good communicator and who encourages.
- Someone who makes the lesson fun.
- Someone who loves to smile
