Don't Be a Godmother If You Cannot Fulfill the Duties of One

How many of us are “Aunties” to children we barely see? I know, I get it. I am guilty of it too. Life gets busy and sometimes you don’t have the time nor balance to keep consistent contact with your friends let alone their children. However, when you are asked to be a godparent, it is a whole different ballpark. It is an honor that comes with responsibility. Before quickly saying “yes” because you’re just "oh so flattered", take a step back to think because there are important responsibilities to consider. 

The role of a godparent varies from different cultures, religions, and community views.  However, the core duties of a godparent are generally the same universally. You have been chosen by the parents to have an impactful relationship in their child’s life. You are expected to be consistent in their life. You are expected to have some sort of influence in the upbringing of the child by providing guidance and emotional support. You are expected to be present in the milestones of the child which includes birthdays, graduations, ceremonies, and other significant events. You are a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on, a cheerleader, a friend, a mentor, and a figure of importance in their life. You are also someone who is up for consideration if anything unfortunate were to happen to the parents. Even if you do not end up becoming the legal guardian, you are still responsible for being in the child’s life. Whether it’s just taking them out for ice cream, to helping them go off to college, you are supposed to have a permanent role in their life. 

This sounds like a lot right? You’re probably thinking about how you struggle with being consistent with your own family. How are you going to do the same for a child that is not yours? Well, that is the true responsibility of a godparent. It isn’t some cute mystical name. You aren’t this cute little fairy who drops in every now and then to get a photo-op with the kid. That is why it is vital for you to deeply understand and consider accepting the honor to be a godparent. It is a beautiful, loving fulfilling, relationship but it is nonetheless a responsibility. Only accept it if you are going to fulfill the duties no matter if it’s through rain, sleet, and snow. If you can’t do that, just be “play auntie”. It’s better to be honest than a disappointment.