Keke Palmer Opens Up About How She Structures Her 'Village' for Son Leo: 'Giving Him Proper Role Models'

The actress shares her 11-month-old son Leo with ex Darius Jackson

Keke Palmer is prioritizing a positive headspace when it comes to raising her son.

In an interview with Teen Vogue, the actress, 30, opened up about raising her 11-month-old son Leodis "Leo," revealing that she heavily relies on her "village."

"The village is really important," Palmer says, noting that her home village is "a bit less open" than her work and home ones.

"It's more about keeping Leo insulated with the people that I know and trust, that don't just love him, but love themselves. That's really big," she continues. "It's important that he has good examples. He observes everything. It's about giving him the proper role models and making sure my family is around."

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Related: Keke Palmer and Son Leodis, 10 Months, Pose for Photos Together on His First Christmas: 'Whatever He Says Goes'

The star lives with her sister and her sister's kids and shares that her parents are moving to California soon to be closer to her.

"Tradition is a big part of the village as well," Palmer says, adding that she wants to continue her family's traditions and start her own.

Palmer shares her son with ex Darius Jackson.

In December, the actress shared photos from a holiday-themed photoshoot with her little boy.

The pictures showed Palmer decked out in an evening dress and her son in a button-down with a festive bow tie and hat.

"Happy Holidays! From my family, to yours 🫶🏾," she captioned the shots on Instagram, adding, "He wouldn’t let me tuck his shirt in. And whatever he says goes 🙄🥹."

In November, the first-time mother posted an adorable Instagram clip holding and twirling her baby boy in what appeared to be a backstage holding area.

"Leo!!! You bring me so much joy my son!! Mommy waited so long for you and you were certainly worth the wait," she captioned the video, which showed Palmer smiling wide in a black bustier and pin-striped pants, bopping him around.

"I can’t wait until you’re older and we can go to the movies together, camp, improv, binge tv shows, cook and all the other endless things I dream of doing with you," she continued.

Palmer concluded, "I have experienced so many things before and after your birth, which is why I can say undoubtably that your love has made me unstoppable. Nothing can beat me because I have you by my side. You are the love of my life .. 🙏🏾."

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