LexTalk

Being a witchy stepmom comes with its own unique set of challenges. You’re already navigating blended family dynamics, and if you’re in the broom closet (or dealing with a challenging co-parenting situation), sharing your spiritual practices can feel like walking a tightrope. One question I’ve wrestled with is: How do I introduce tarot to my stepkids in a way that doesn’t make their mom think I’m indoctrinating them into witchcraft?

If you’ve ever hesitated before pulling out your deck while the kids are around, you’re not alone. But tarot doesn’t have to be framed as a mystical or religious tool. With the right approach, it can be shared in a way that’s fun, engaging, and completely neutral. Here’s how.

1. Reframe Tarot as a Storytelling Tool

One of the easiest ways to introduce tarot to kids (without it setting off alarms) is by presenting it as a creative story-telling exercise. Each card is rich with imagery, symbolism, and characters – just like a book or a movie. Ask questions like:

• “What do you think is happening in this card?”
• “If this were a scene in a movie, what would come next?”

This approach shifts tarot away from “fortune-telling” and into the realm of imagination and critical thinking.

2. Compare It to Something Familiar

If the kids have ever played with affirmation decks, seen tarot in movies, or even enjoyed fortune cookies, you can relate tarot to those experiences. You might say:

• “These cards are kind of like an old-fashioned comic book. Each one tells a different story.”
• “Tarot started as a game hundreds of years ago, like a fancy deck of playing cards.”

This keeps it fun and removes any overt spiritual connotation.

3. Make it About Reflection, Not Divination

Many people assume tarot is all about predicting the future, but at its core, it’s really about self-reflection. Instead of pulling cards with big, deep questions, try prompts like:

• “What’s something I should focus on today?”
• “What’s a fun way to think about my goals?”

If their mom ever asks, you can honestly say that tarot is a tool for thinking through feelings and ideas – kind of like journaling with pictures.

4. Be Mindful of Language

If you’re dealing with a difficult co-parenting situation (or just trying to keep the peace), how you talk about tarot matters.

Avoid words like:

• Divination
• Magic
• Reading
• Spiritual Guidance

Instead, opt for:

• Interpretation
• Reflection
• Storytelling
• A thinking tool

5. Keep It Light & Let Them Lead

If they show interest, let them explore on their terms. Maybe they just like looking at the art, or maybe they’ll start asking what certain cards mean. Let them ask the questions, and don’t push it if they’re not into it.

At the end of the day, tarot is personal, and not every child will be drawn to it – just like not every adult is! If their mom gets wind of it, you have a neutral, non-threatening explanation ready: “It’s just a fun way to think about stories and ideas, like a creative exercise.”

Final Thoughts

Being a witchy stepmom means finding creative ways to balance your beliefs with the dynamics of a blended family. You don’t have to hide who you are, but sometimes a little strategic framing makes life easier. Tarot can be a beautiful, introspective tool – one that doesn’t have to be tied to spirituality at all.

So, if you’re itching to shuffle your deck while the kids are around, go for it – just with a bit of stepmom finesse.

Have you ever shared tarot (or another witchy practice) with your stepkids or kids? How did it go? Let’s talk in the comments!