The Role A Godparent Plays In A Child’s Life

From the child’s baptism onwards, you assume as a godparent, or sponsor, to the child, the role of counselor and teacher in its life. Your commitment to this role is of great importance.

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

Historically, it was expected that godparents would take over the care and upbringing of their godchildren in the absence of their parents.

But today it is only true if there is legal documentation to prove this fact. And of course, a judge must analyze this document and take into account the child’s current situation and wishes.

Godparents and guardians

As mentioned above, a godparent plays a symbolic role in your child’s baptism. From this moment on, the person will be extra important in your child’s life.

However, the person’s liability to your child is not legally binding. In the tragic event that you can not raise your child yourself, its godparents will have no legal claims.

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

For example, the Church may require individuals to share the same beliefs as members of that Church.

They can also ask them to attend a preparatory class where they will learn about their participation in the ceremony and the future responsibilities.

If you want your child’s godparent to act as guardian and guardian in your absence, first discuss this desire with the person.

If the person accepts your proposal, you should talk to a lawyer to create a legal document that explains your intentions.

What is your role as a godparent?

In general, parents should be able to expect a godparent to take on the following responsibilities:

• To form a strong bond with the child and be present throughout the child’s upbringing. It is really important that a child’s godparent shows an active interest in her daily life, and not just show up in photos at important events.
• The relationship should have deep trust and confidence. The people you choose should be as important as your family. Your child’s godparents should be like a second father or mother he can trust, just like a friend. This honest relationship will help create a strong bond.
• A godparent should serve as a guide in your son’s or daughter’s spiritual education. This means that you provide a solid foundation and are a good role model. Sometimes the lessons and guidance that a godparent can offer are easier to absorb than if they come from a parent – especially during adolescence.

• When it comes to Catholic godparents, this role goes hand in hand with holding parents accountable for maintaining faith and religion.

How to know who is the right person to take on the role of godparent

Aunts and uncles, siblings, grandparents, cousins… These all have obligations that are formed naturally due to blood ties. But a godparent is chosen.

Appointing your child’s godparents is something you must do consciously, given the important influence that this decision will have on your child’s future.

The people you choose can be family members or close friends. Make sure that they really want to take on this role and that they have the opportunity and conditions to participate actively in your child’s life.

Different families may have different traditions. For example, some families tend to ask close family members to be sponsors.

However, you may wish to ask a close childhood friend to be a godparent to keep this bond alive.

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

However, family tradition should not be decisive. A godparent should be someone who has a healthy spiritual life that he or she can share with your child.

You should choose someone that you are sure you can trust, and expect to be able to give your child a good education.

Factors that influence

Geographical proximity

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

It’s about being able to give an actual hug when your godchild needs it, make excursions together and spend afternoons together and just talk about life. Of course, this decision is up to the parents.

Age

Older individuals are good advisors, no doubt. But you might want to consider how wonderful it would be if this relationship could last for many years to come.

When it comes to making a decision, you may want to consider the age difference.

Emotional closeness

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

Parents’ choice of godparents

The parents must take the choice of their child’s godparents very seriously. It’s not just about family obligations, nor is it about honoring a close friend.

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

The people you choose should be completely trustworthy and more than willing to accept this great responsibility.

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