How do I be a godfather?

[UrbanDad]

Just wanted to know what I should be doing each year. I want to get my GodD a gift each year to remind her that she's special. Any suggestions?

[bigchris]

Well I see it as a commitment to guide the child religiously thru life

[thumbwitch]

If you have the cash, something really nice would be a silver charm bracelet that you could add a new charm to each year (until she tells you to stop)

Alternatively, start a collection of something else that becomes "your thing" to give her each year - a friend of mine always gave her godson Brio, for e.g., until the parents begged her to stop cos it was coming out of their ears!

[UrbanDad]

Both interesting - I'm actually an atheist (Godfather is a bit of a misnomer) so I see it as more of a pastoral thing.

I want something she can look back at when she's 18. My Godfather used to send me stamps each year and I built up quite an impressive collection, but I never look at them now...

[Lilly79]

Hehe, read Mario Puzo's book "the godfather" ;) Lots of great suggestions of how to support your family!

[BoffinMum]

The greatest gift is yourself -

• While she is little, spend time with her by taking her to the park, zoo and so on, so you get the chance to talk properly to each other.

• When she is at school, materialise at stressful moments like SATs and GCSEs and help her navigate them.

• If/when she goes to college/university, give her a little allowance once a month so she can have a night out on you or something like that.

That would make anyone feel special IMO.

[jemmm]

I agree with BoffinMum - time is the best thing that you can give her.

That said my wife is - she's not Godmother, as such as it was a secular "naming ceremony" - I can't remember the term that was used - anyway...

He's our best friends little boy and we buy him books every birthday/christmas, on top of his ususal present. We started out with a little "classics" library - that as well as a few obvious novels/plays, had a few children's classics, and some age appropriate stuff - so a mix of Dickens, Dahl and Donaldson. The idea being that we add things that are age appropriate every year.