The Role Godparents Play In Your Child’s Life

The role godparents play in your child’s life is that of counselor and educator, starting with baptism. Their dedication to this role is fundamental.

It is important to choose godparents for your child – if not, the ceremony will simply be a performance of a religious tradition.

In the past, godparents were expected to take over the care and upbringing of their godchildren in the event that the parents were absent.

Today, however, this is only the case if there is legal documentation confirming it. Of course, a judge must analyze this document and take into account the child’s current situation and wishes.

Godparents vs Legal Guardians

As mentioned above, your child’s godparents play a symbolic role in your child’s baptism. From that moment on, they are important figures in your child’s life.

However, their responsibility for your child is not legally binding. In the tragic event that you cannot raise your child, his godparents would have no legal claim in a court of law.

However, your church can expect your child’s godparents to meet certain requirements.

For example, the church may require the individuals to be believers and members of a church.

They may also ask to attend a pre-baptism meeting where they can learn more about their participation in the ceremony and their future responsibilities.

If you would like your child’s godparents to act as guardians during your absence, discuss this desire with them.

If they accept your proposal, you should discuss this with a lawyer to prepare a legal document stating your intentions.

What is the role godparents play in your child’s life?

In general, parents should expect godparents to fulfill the following responsibilities:

• To form a close bond with the child and be present throughout the child’s life. It is very important that a child’s godparent shows an active interest in his everyday life, and does not appear only in photos of important events.
• The relationship must be a relationship of trust. The people you choose should become like family. Your child’s godparents should be like a second father or mother he can trust, just like a friend. This sincere relationship will help create a fruitful bond.

• Godparents should act as guides in your son or daughter’s spiritual formation. This means building a solid foundation and setting a good example. Sometimes a godparent’s teachings and guidance are more welcome than a parent’s – especially in teenage years.
• In the case of Catholic godparents , this role goes hand in hand with addressing the parents for the preservation of the faith.

How do you know who is the right person for this role?

Aunts and uncles, siblings, grandparents, cousins… These are all relationships that come naturally through family ties. However, godparents are chosen.

Naming your child’s godparents should be done consciously.  The important impact this decision will have on your child’s future must also be taken into account.

The people you choose must be relatives or close friends. Make sure they really want to take on this role and be able to actively participate in your child’s life.

Different families may have different traditions. For example, some families are more likely to ask close relatives to act as godparents.

However, you may want to ask a personal childhood friend to act as a godparent to nurture that bond.

Some families choose godparents based on their economic status or position.

However, family tradition should not be the deciding factor. A godparent should be someone with a healthy spiritual life that he can share with your child.

You need to choose someone you are sure you can rely on. And what you can count on for a good education.

Factors That May Affect

Geographical proximity

While it’s true that social media brings us together, it’s better that your child’s godparents live nearby.

The point is that they can give a hug whenever your child needs it. Being able to go on outings together and spend afternoons together talking about life. Of course, this decision is up to the parents.

Age

Elders are without a doubt great advisors. But you might want to consider how wonderful it would be if this relationship lasted for many more years.

When it comes to making a decision, you may also want to think about age difference.

Emotional closeness

This is another important factor. The people you choose as godparents should not only share your values ​​and principles. They must also have the emotional intelligence to show their feelings.

The choice of the parents

Parents should take the choice of their child’s godparents very seriously.

This isn’t just about family obligations, nor is it about honoring a close friend.

Godparents can have a decisive influence in a child’s life – and your child deserves the best.

The people you choose must be completely trustworthy and more than willing to take on this great responsibility.

Asking someone to be your child’s godparent is one of the greatest expressions of trust you will ever give.