Zoe Saldana, celebrated for her iconic roles in Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Star Trek, is making waves in June 2025 for her heartfelt reflections on motherhood and personal evolution. The phrase “Zoe Saldana credits her kids for her growth: ‘Keep me on my toes’” perfectly captures her current public sentiment. In fresh interviews and social media posts, Saldana openly shares how her three sons—twin boys Cy and Bowie, both 10, and Zen, age 8—are her greatest teachers, constantly inspiring and challenging her as both an artist and a person.
Recently, following her Academy Award win for Best Supporting Actress in Emilia Pérez, Saldana has been candid about balancing Hollywood success with parenting. “They’re my biggest teachers,” she says, stressing how her children encourage her to evolve daily. “I never want them to feel responsible for my growth, but they do teach me a lot by just growing around me, evolving, and setting their boundaries.” Her authentic perspective has resonated with fans worldwide, as she continues to blend professional achievements with a grounded approach to family life.
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How Zoe Saldana’s Kids Shape Her Growth
Motherhood has introduced Saldana to new joys and challenges. She often highlights how her kids “keep me on my toes”—a phrase her followers love and frequently share online. Whether she’s playing soccer with her boys or discussing her latest project, Saldana finds that her children’s energy and honesty keep her motivated and present.
Her sons have become her biggest fans, especially after her Oscar win. “They’re like, ‘Mom! Oscar is like the World Cup!’” Saldana recalls, laughing about how Zen questioned the category of her award. These moments are what make parenting so rewarding for her—her kids don’t just celebrate her achievements, they help her stay humble and engaged.
Saldana’s approach to parenting is refreshingly modern. Together with her husband, Marco Perego, she raises her boys without traditional gender roles, encouraging empathy and respect. “We’re very hard on our boys the same way we’re hard on women,” she explains. “Boys are often encouraged to be strong and suppress emotions. We understood the assignment, knowing we’re raising boys during a time when women’s movements are so important.” This mindset fosters a home where self-expression and understanding are valued above all.
Recent Family Moments and Public Appearances
Life in the Saldana-Perego household is always vibrant. Recently, Zoe and her family attended the world premiere of Disney’s animated feature Elio. Her sons turned heads on the red carpet in matching outfits, delighting fans with their playful energy. Saldana notes that while her twins are gravitating toward more mature content like the sitcom Friends, her youngest is still excited about her kid-friendly projects.
Behind the scenes, Saldana treasures simple family moments. She enjoys dancing with her husband, laughing with her kids, and navigating daily life together. “As I grow older and become more comfortable as their mother, I realize what they need most are moments of joy and togetherness, of dance and laughter,” she wrote on Instagram. “They can figure out the rest for themselves. The world has a way of helping you raise them and providing the challenges.”
Her sons also motivate her to maintain healthy habits. She credits them with helping her adopt better routines—going to bed early, eating well, and getting more rest. “Having children keeps me out of trouble a lot,” she jokes. “Before I had them, I was very much about work hard, play hard. But having children happened at the right time for me.”
Key Points at a Glance
- Personal Growth Through Parenting: Saldana sees her sons as her greatest teachers, helping her evolve as a person and parent.
- Modern Family Values: She and her husband raise their boys to value empathy and respect, breaking away from traditional gender roles.
- Family Highlights: The family recently attended the Elio premiere together, with the boys stealing the show in matching outfits.
- Grounded by Motherhood: Saldana says her kids keep her humble, motivated, and present, both personally and professionally.
- Healthier Lifestyle: Parenting has inspired her to adopt better sleep and lifestyle habits.
Looking Ahead: Zoe Saldana and Her Family
As Zoe Saldana continues to balance her thriving film career with family life, she remains committed to being present for her children. After her Oscar win, she expressed a desire to slow down and spend more time with her family, cherishing everyday moments like taking her sons to school. “The moment everything was over, I just really wanted to go back home and just take my kids to school and be a little more present in their lives,” she says. “It’s through their eyes that I understand the impact of being recognized for this and what it means for us.”
Her journey is a powerful reminder that even in the fast-paced world of Hollywood, family remains the ultimate source of inspiration and growth. For Saldana, “my kids keep me on my toes” is more than just a phrase—it’s a way of life.
If you’re inspired by Zoe Saldana’s story, be sure to check out her latest interviews and social media updates. Her journey shows that personal growth and professional success can go hand in hand when you have a loving family by your side.