What is it like to be a godparent (in a non-religious way)?

Question

What kind of relationship does someone have with a godchild? I'm not talking about religious stuff, or taking care of the kid if the parents die. I just mean day-to-day type stuff. Is it similar to being an uncle or a grandparent or anything like that?

Answer 1

I have a goddaughter that I am famously close to (http://ibsclark.bravehost.com/) - I am her mother, her friend, her sister, whatever she needs me to be I am. I love her no matter what else - and she KNOWS this. I'm there for whatever. Money, discipline, fun, mentoring, travelling, listening, sharing, whatever...the key is that she KNOWS I am there for whatever she needs. A godparent is an alternate parent. I accepted this responsibility on my own - without a church.

Answer 2

Everything Googled about 'Godparent' related to being an example and guide for a child regarding christianity.

In my viewpoint, I believe the responsibilities of a Godparent include teaching a child values and ethics/right from wrong, not just spirituality. Although values and ethics stem from having some spiritual belief, not necessarily religiously regiments.

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Not associated with the church:
The non-believer, those with no belief in God, will often ask one to serve as godparent to their child. Usually, they are not expecting their child to be led or trained in the way of Christ. They are providing a way for their child to get a good moral and ethical example to follow. ( http://ezinearticles.com/?Tips-For-The-New-Godparent&id=473191 )

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The Role of the Godparent in the 21st Century
http://www.egodparent.com/Articles/How%20to%20Choose.htm

Do Godparents Have to Be Practicing Christians?
http://www.egodparent.com/Articles/doihavetobe.htm

Answer 3

I wouldn't say it is a day to day. If say the parents want to go out you can say you would watch the child. Don't forget the birthday and other special days like Easter, Xmas etc. Give a little gift of some kind. Go see him or her once in awhile. In away I guess you would say it is some what like a grandmother or uncle or aunt.

Answer 4

Your some that the kid go's to when he doesn't want to tell his parents it's a cross form being an uncle and a grandpa. Someone that gives the kid advice and help putting on the right path.

Answer 5

It is someone in a childs life that can make a difference in thier upbringing. This person will make somekind of impact on the child as he matures. A loving bond usually developes. Im a firm believer it takes more than parents to raise a child correctly... they will become well rounded adults.

Answer 6

a god parent is religious, you become one by standing in as a person who will make sure that the godchild gets his/her religious teachings if the parent cannot.
At a child's Baptism is when a Godparent is named. that person is either related to the child or may not be

Answer 7

You should remember their birthdays and Xmas and spend as much time with them as you can. Try to influence them in as positive a way as possible and be there for them if they need it. I am a godparent twice and value the time I get to see my godchildren. Just love them.