to be really curious what you all think being a Godparent means?

[MummyDayAndNightCare]

Hello,

I am a Godmother, a few times over, and I just wondered what you all felt your role is as a Godparent?

To me it felt like a real honour to be chosen by the parents to have such a role and I take it seriously, as in I make extra special effort to keep up to date with the children, what they're up to, spoil them with gifts but also lots of time and cuddles too, but I don't really do the "show them the way of the lord" thing.

Just wondered what your experiences were really and what it means to you.

My friend asked me to be Godmother to her DS2 about 10 years back.

I was a little taken aback as I am openly atheist and explained that to her, again. Her response was that it 'didn't matter!'.

I really regret going ahead with it. I guess all I have in my defense is that I was young and didn't know how to say no without offending her.

Looking back I think she just wanted a day where she was centre of attenton again. I realised our friendship was quite toxic really not too long after that and when me moved several hundred miles apart it was a clear sign to end it. I don't keep in contact with my Godson at all. I feel a bit guilty about that but I have no idea what an atheist Godparent is really supposed to do anyway. I definitely wish I had stood my ground and said no.

Dh and I have been asked to be 'godparents' for our friends DS. We aren't religious and neither are they, so they are having a blessing, where you have a 'godparent' role but i'm not sure what the proper term for it is.

From what I understand if you take out the religious part, you are taking on a role of 'extended family' if you like. Our friends DD already calls us Auntie and Uncle (even though we're not), so I guess it's offering advise, support and being another person to spoil them rotten!

I'v never been asked before and I was over the moon! I know some people aren't bothered about it but I felt quite honoured that they asked us. I'm not sure why, it just makes us feel quite important to them and their DC's. We have known our friends for years and we are all really close so I guess it just makes us feel a bit closer to them.

My children have been Christened, but then we are Christians. To get your children christened is to mark the start of their journey of faith, and to ask for your church families support. We chose Christian godparents, because they are supposed to help you with the childs spiritual welfare.
Before we were Christians i wouldn't have even considered getting them Christened, because tbh i don't see the point if you aren't going to bring them up with faith :)

DH and I are atheists but we wanted to celebrate DS's arrival in some way. We had a humanist naming ceremony and appointed two old and dear friends as guideparents. They each thought long and hard about the promises they made to DS, and it was very personal and meaningful to us. I think if I was asked to be a godparent I'd have to refuse as I'd feel like a hypocrite.