Keke Palmer Embraces Future Sideline Role for Son Leo

Actress Keke Palmer said she is preparing to become an enthusiastic sideline parent when her 3-year-old son, Leodis "Leo" Andrellton Jackson, begins playing sports in the future. In an interview with PEOPLE, Palmer discussed her hopes for Leo's athletic interests and her support as he grows.

Palmer, who is 33, told PEOPLE that she expects her enthusiasm at Leo's games could become intense. She shares her only child with ex-boyfriend Darius Jackson, and Leo was born in February 2023.

"Something I am excited for is when I am going to be at his games and screaming from the stands. That's what I'm ready for," Palmer said.

Palmer said she would welcome Leo trying different sports and mentioned several athletes as examples of the possibilities she imagines for him. She referenced Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, who won 28 Olympic medals across five Games from 2000 to 2016.

"I'm ready for Leo to be like Michael Phelps, okay?" Palmer said.

"We need some more Black boys up in the swimming leagues," Palmer said.

The actress also said she would support other athletic paths, including golf and hockey, as Leo becomes older and chooses his interests.

"I'm ready for Leo to get up in there, and I'm open to a little Tiger Woods moment, or I'm open to a hockey moment too," Palmer said.

Palmer acknowledged that her excitement could make her a very vocal presence during games, regardless of the sport Leo chooses.

"When I'm telling you I'm going to be going off, it's actually going to be an issue. People are going to be like, 'You can't do this. You can't come here and act like this,' and I'm going to be like, 'But this is my son,'" Palmer said.

Beyond sports, Palmer told PEOPLE she thinks about helping Leo handle challenges as he grows up. She said parents often worry about preparing their children for difficult experiences.

"You're always worried about making sure that they're prepared for the world," Palmer said.

Palmer said she believes children can be resilient while parents still feel the impact of seeing them face hardships.

"We know we get our feelings hurt as grown people, so ... as crazy as it sounds, it doesn't mean that we take a backseat when our kids' feelings are hurt. Honestly, sometimes it hurts us more than it hurts them," Palmer said.

She added that her perspective includes recognizing Leo's ability to grow independently while remaining protective as his mother.

"So remembering that our kids are very resilient, strong and capable, and that they're good on their own, that's a thing that I think about. That's my baby in the world, and everybody's not going to be kind to my baby. I think that's every mom's worry," Palmer said.