Keke Palmer has found a strong circle of friends in an unexpected place, her son’s school. The actress and singer says her close group of fellow mothers has brought support, fun, and some surprising new experiences into her life. That includes pickleball sessions, group workouts, outings with the kids, and even membership at a country club.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 33-year-old star spoke warmly about the women she met after enrolling her son, Leodis “Leo” Andrellton Jackson, in his first school. The friendships quickly became much more than casual conversations between parents. Palmer now describes the women as true friends who have helped reshape her everyday life.

Keke Found a Strong Support System Through Motherhood

Keke / IG / The “I Love Boosters” actress, 33, shares three-year-old Leo with her former partner, Darius Jackson.

Becoming a mother introduced the "Nope" star to new responsibilities, but it also opened the door to a community she did not expect. The women welcomed Palmer and Leo when the young boy started school, and their connection quickly became close.

“I love being a mom and my little mom group,” Palmer told the outlet. “We are like thick as thieves, and they’re amazing women.” The Emmy winner explained that most of the women have two children, and their kids are older than Leo. That extra parenting experience has made the group especially helpful as Palmer raises her first child.

The friendship became particularly meaningful because Palmer is navigating life as a single mother. According to the actress, the other moms did not hesitate to offer their time and support. They quickly made it clear that Palmer could reach out whenever she needed something.

“That’s what true friends are,” Palmer said. “It’s been a real blessing in my life to meet those girls, honestly.” Her comments show how much the relationships mean beyond social outings. These are women Palmer can lean on while handling the everyday demands that come with raising a young child.

Keke has spent most of her life surrounded by the entertainment business. She started acting as a child and grew into a performer with major movie, television, music, and hosting credits. Her mom group gives her another circle built around something far removed from premieres and production schedules, raising children.

Pickleball, Workouts and a Country Club Bring a “Whole New Life”

Support is only part of the story because Palmer and her friends also know how to stay busy. Their calendar sounds packed with activities that mix fitness, friendship, and family time. Palmer said the women play pickleball together, exercise together, and arrange gatherings for their children.

The group also has plans to see Oprah Winfrey, according to Palmer. That busy social schedule has given the "Akeelah and the Bee" actress a different rhythm outside work.

Palmer laughed while telling PEOPLE, “They done got me into a country club.” The detail gives a funny glimpse at just how much her social world has changed since meeting the women through Leo’s school. Palmer sounds amused by the transformation rather than overly impressed by the setting.

“I literally feel like I’m in "The 'Burbs," my TV show,” said. She added that her life had become so “meta” that the situation felt almost ridiculous. The joke works because her off-screen routine now carries some of the neighborhood energy connected to her latest television project.

Keke Palmer Wants Leo to Grow Up Choosing His Own Happiness

Keke / IG / Motherhood has become a major part of Keke’s public conversations since Leo arrived in February 2023.

In a separate interview with Extra back in 2025, Palmer said she hopes her son never becomes afraid to evolve as he grows older. She wants Leo to understand that people do not need to remain trapped by an old version of themselves. For Palmer, happiness, joy, and peace should help guide those changes.

Her own recent experience offers a small example of that idea. Palmer met a group of women because her son started school, accepted their friendship, and ended up with a fuller social calendar. Pickleball and country clubs may sound like lighter details, but the bigger story is about allowing life to change after becoming a parent.