How is a godparent suppose to act?

Question

I had known a friend for 5 years.One day she invited me to the christening of her baby.After the christening her mother turned to me and told me that I was the godmother.I was shocked that she didn't ask me.I did not even know what a godmother was.I didn´t say anything at all as I felt it would hurt her feelings if I declined.I visited the baby once a year and gave him presents,but she wanted me to come more.She compared me to the godfather,saying that he visited her son a lot.She started to become clingy and would make me feel guilty if I didn´t come as often as she wanted me to.Her husband would say bad things about me and she would agree with him.It was like now that I was the godmother I was obligated to visit her.I started to pull away as I felt she had an ulterior motive for making me the godmother.I felt
trapped and stressed.I haven´t spoken to them in three years and
I feel made a mistake by accepting to be the godmother.I feel really guilty but they made me feel bad

Answer 1

Make offers they can't refuse
Have all your enemies whacked
Try to get out but be repeatedly pulled back in

Answer 2

Here is some there is more at this site:


Christian Responsibilities of a Godparent

1. Pray for your godchild regularly
2. Set an example of Christian living
3. Help him/her to grow in the faith of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in which he was baptized
4. Give every encouragement to follow Christ and fight against evil
5. Help your godchild to look forward to confirmation.


Practical Ideas
The best thing you can give is time...

Commemorate the anniversary of your Godchild's Christening Day, it is a day special to you both and a good opportunity to celebrate without the distraction of a birthday. We encourage you to record this with your Godchild's details. We will also send you an email reminder so you can try to arrange something or at least get in touch.

Remember the symbols of a candle and water. Make (OK buy) a cake and light the Baptism candle on the top. You can really make your relationship special.

A model Godparent I know holds a great event inviting all his Godchildren to his house at the same time every year on his birthday!

Answer 3

First of all you state they did not ask you to be the godfather? I am not sure what religion your talking about ,but in the catholic religion parents and god parents to be go to meetings.I would think you would not be obligated to be the godfather if you didn't choose to.The role of the godparents is to substitute for the parents, should they die.Most religions ask the godparents to be married for this reason.Given you accepted afterwards ,not to make them feel bad, I think your obligations if any are to visit whenever possible.Guide and encourage your god child to your faith.Perhaps you are of good standing(financial wise) and they believed it would benefit their child.The only thing you can do is try to communicate with the parents and decide upon your responsibilities.If you decide that would be to painful ,send you godchild cards on his/her special occasions , so that the child will know you feel no resent.I hope this helps you

Answer 4

Your only obligation as a godparent is to be there when you can for the child and a gift or a card on the special occasions is a nice touch...however these people are making a big deal out of this and making you uncomfortable. The way you are being trested I would just back away completely. You have no legal obligation

Answer 5

Don't worry I doesn't sound as if you are the Godmother.
The godparents must be asked before the Christening if they are willing to take on the role and they take part in the church ceremony. your duties are to ensure the Child is brought up with Christian principles... I doubt if the child's parents are real Christians by the sound of it.
Don't be stressed about it . You were not asked to be godmother before the christening and did not take part in the ceremony so how could you promise to ensure the child is brought up as a Christian.

Answer 6

Not very many people were meant to be godparent's, I know I wasn't the same thing happened to me. But my friends are godparents and they spend as much time as they can with there godchild and they also spoil the death out of them too. So maybe you should call your friend back up and see if you to are still friends. You should always forgive and forget.
Sincerely, Nicole

Answer 7

She should have never just told you that you are the godmother. That is not how it works. And I understand why you did want to decline at the Christening. You should try your best to patch things up and be there when you can. If you are not treated well, you will know that you have dome your best.

Answer 8

According to this website...
http://www.christeningessentials.com/what_are_godparents_

The role of Godparent has become that of a "supporting friend" who assists the parents and takes a special interest in the child, but does not stand in for the parents or make up for any lacks in their care. Your chief responsibility is to support your godchild in living a Christian life in fellowship with the Church. You are promising to do all in your power to support him/her in his/her life in Christ." The best way to do this is to help make sure he/she gets to Church regularly. Setting an example by regular Church attendance and by being willing to take your godchild with you to worship is a great witness and a fine way to keep your oath as a Sponsor.

In the case of a Thanksgiving and Blessing service, the Godparents promise support of the parents in bringing up the child as well as support of the child.

Are Godparents also commissioned as guardians? No. The church has no power to appoint guardians. Parents wishing to appoint guardians in the event of their deaths should specify this in their wills.

Christian Responsibilities of a Godparent

1. Pray for your godchild regularly
2. Set an example of Christian living
3. Help him/her to grow in the faith of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
4. Give every encouragement to follow Christ and fight against evil

Answer 9

The nice thing is my kids are really close to their godparents who act like second ... “Listen, Bishop, isn’t a godparent supposed to be responsible for the ...

Answer 10

As a good guide and someone for the child to look up to.