The Easter Eggs of Blended Family Life

Finding those colorful, silver linings in stepmom life.

Apr 20, 2025

a group of small eggs sitting in the grass — Photo by Olena Somak_ua on Unsplash

The roadmap to a successful blended family life remains unclear. There are moments of joy, moments of tension and many, many moments in-between. But every so often, just like an Easter egg hunt, you stumble on something small, unexpected and beautiful.

Easter eggs are discovered through patience, curiosity and hope. They invite us to search in those places we ought not to look. And when we find them, they stand out, gleaming in color. It feels just right at home in our palm, as we hold them.

The “Easter eggs” of blended family life make the search all worthwhile. Beyond the awkward path and uncertain journey are small moments that bring the unspeakable kind of joy that comes from an organic affection.

Here are some of my “Easter eggs.”

Unexpected moments of trust

One child tells me about her secret crush. Another pours her heart out and divulges she is in a verge of a breakup. The son shows me his secret bruise because of a fight he got into. One shows me a purchased shirt for gifting to their dad. They tell me things. I treasure that.

These are manifestations of trust —- handed gently.

Those unprompted hugs and kisses.

I am blessed with stepchildren who are physically affectionate. They hug me, kiss me, even in public. I note that the eldest stepchild, who is quiet and reserved, especially see to it that he finds me and hugs me or busses me on the cheek every time he comes home. The other siblings may forget, but not this one.

Shared personal jokes

“Look at Mom! She dances like this.” My stepdaughter always makes fun of the way I move to music. She likes to remind me of how silly I am, especially when they were kids. I like that. I did not think they were listening. I did not think they paid attention. I am surprised they remember. When they bring up moments like this out of the blue, my stepmom heart flutters.

“I saved one for you.”

Whether it is the last piece of lamb chop or a glass of water during a hot day, when my stepchildren nonchalantly choose small ways to be kind, it is magic. Though it is a quiet and a simple gesture to them, to me, it means the world.

To care for my own child, their sibling.

Nothing makes me happier than seeing the stepchildren care for my own child, their little brother. I like seeing them making a fuss of their baby brother. From the moment they put their ears to my tummy to feel the baby in my womb to the moments they troop to the football field to cheer on their brother to the big hugs they throw my son whenever he needs one, my heart is content.