RHOP’s Wendy Osefo Shares Son’s Hilarious Reaction to Learning Friend’s Mom Isn’t Also a Reality Star (Exclusive)

Wendy Osefo says her kids are completely unfazed by their family’s TV stardom.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the 56th NAACP Image Awards Nominees Reception in Los Angeles on Thursday, Feb. 20, the Real Housewives of Potomac star, 40, shared that her three children “think it’s normal” to have cameras filming their lives.

“That’s all they know. So since that’s all they know, they think it’s normal,” says Wendy, who shares Karter, 11, Kruz, 9, and Kamrynn, 5, with husband Edward Osefo.

“It’s funny because one of my sons went up to his friend and was like, ‘Is your mom not on TV?’ And his friend was like, ‘No.’ And he’s like, ‘What?’ ” she recalls. 

While appreciating the humor in her son’s idea that everyone is on TV, she also noted that her kids’ easygoing attitude toward their mom’s reality TV gig — she has starred on RHOP since 2020 — helps keep them grounded.

“I think because it’s normal to them, they don’t necessarily feel like stars. It’s just part of their life,” she explains. “So I’m very grateful for that — to raise grounded children who are humble, confident but still good kids.”

Last year, Wendy was joined by her husband and kids — as well as lots of other family members and friends — as she marked a major milestone: turning 40. She celebrated with a glamorous party held at a private residence in Maryland overlooking the Chesapeake Bay.

At the time, she told PEOPLE she typically doesn’t like to make a fuss about her birthday, but she felt her 40th deserved an exception.

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“I don’t normally celebrate my birthday, especially after having kids because I was always so focused on doing all the bells and whistles for them,” she explained. “But entering this new decade, I felt like I wanted to mark its importance by doing something big. So I figured, ‘Why not throw a big party of my own?’ ”

Wendy also opened up about her mindset heading into her latest decade, telling PEOPLE she was ready to slow down and simply focus on being happy.

“Most of my life, I’ve been chasing something: chasing a dream, chasing a goal. I want to do this, I want to accomplish this, I want to achieve this. And for the first time in my life, I feel like I have done everything I’ve wanted to do,” she explained.

“40 is such a place of peace for me and my biggest hope for 40 is just happiness,” she continued. “Not an accomplishment, not a degree. Not to have another baby, even though Eddie wants to. No, it is just to be happy in this time in this space.”