What Are Godparents? Interesting Religious Facts Explained For Kids!

The concept of godparents evolved from Christianity, and usually means a sponsor for a baby to be introduced into the faith of the parents.

However, nowadays being a godparent to a baby can simply mean being chosen by the parents to have a special role in the child's life, and assume guardianship of the child if anything were to happen to the parents.

Being a godparent means being there to support your godchild in all moments of their life, be it the good or the bad.

Though the traditional role of a godparent was to point their godchild towards God and guide them in their spiritual journey, nowadays it just means taking on a role similar to that of an aunt or uncle and forming a special bond with them. Godparents can be chosen from someone in the immediate family or even close friends.

They must be willing to become guardians of the child in the case they were orphaned.

What are godparents?

Godparents have quite a religious significance for followers of Christianity. Traditionally, godparents are appointed by the parents of a child at the baptism and are usually people who are close to the family. Godparents could either be a married couple, or separate people, depending on how important they are to the child and their parents.

The traditional role of godparents was to act as role models for a child growing up and help them in their journey to be Christian. A godparent was meant to be a sponsor of the child at their baptism, and take charge of their religious upbringing, while the parents handled everything else.

It is a very old religious tradition, having ties with the origin of infant baptism, which is around the same time when the term godparent emerged.

However, being a godparent doesn't mean that a person has any legal guardianship over the child, but only a spiritual role. It is expected that if anything were to happen to the parents, then the godparents would take care of the child and raise them as if they were their own.

Of course, the role is not legal but that does not mean the title of godparent should be taken lightly. It is the moral duty of a godparent to hold a special place in the child's life, by making an effort to bond with them, showing up on special occasions, and taking an interest in the child's life.

After the parents, godparents hold a very important place in a child's heart, and a child should feel that they are able to approach their godparents about anything going on.

Who can be a godparent?

The responsibilities of a godparent vary from faith to faith. Usually, godparents should be of the same faith as the child's parents, be adults, and have a very close relationship with the family of the child.

Traditionally, a godparent should be above 16 years of age and an active member of the Catholic Church. Many parents choose someone that is over the age of 16 because of the responsibility and duties that come with being a godparent.

These requirements are not really necessary. They can be anyone other than the actual mother or father of the child, meaning the couple may want to ask any of their relatives, friends, or other special people in their life to take on this big responsibility for their child.

Of course, before formally giving them the role of godparent, the parents must always sit down with them and discuss their roles and responsibilities with them. As the godparents are expected to become the legal guardians of the child if anything unfortunate happens to the parents, this must be discussed well in advance for the well-being of the child.

Once the godparents have accepted their roles and responsibilities, they are officially appointed at the child's baptism.

As existing bonds with the parents are very important, it is common practice for them to choose either their siblings, close friends, or other family members for the roles of godparents.

In today's modern world, you do not have to be a part of the Christian community to become a godparent or appoint one for your child. Non-religious people can become godparents as well, forming bonds based on the emotional level without the spiritual upbringing part.

Some other names to refer to godparents are guide parents, honorary aunt/uncle, or guardian. They become an important part of a child's journey to becoming a better Christian, and ultimately a better person in life.

When should you ask someone to be a godparent?

Though godparents are officially appointed at the baptism, it is always important to ask the godparents if they are willing to take up the responsibility before this event.

The godparents must be chosen as soon as the parents decide the date for the baptism, meaning that they can ask before the birth of the baby up until a few weeks after it is born.

Do not wait too long to ask your potential godparents if they are up for the job, the earlier is better for both them and your child!

It is preferable to appoint your baby's godparents before the birth of the baby so that they have a chance to be there for your child's big moments and form a special bond with them right from the time of their birth!

It is necessary for most churches to have at least one godchild present when the child is being baptized.

How many godparents are you allowed to have?

According to the Catholic church, an infant can have a maximum of two godparents- traditionally a man and woman. These are the child godfather and godmother. However, if the parents want to ask only one person to be the godparent, that is also alright.

The responsibilities of a godparent towards their godchildren are similar to that of a beloved aunt or uncle, to be there for the big moments, as well as for support when the children need it.

When choosing a godparent, the parents must not go on who their favorite relative or friend is, but rather on who they think would be the best influence on their child.

When it comes to religion, the godfather and godmother must play an important role in the spiritual upbringing of the children. This means taking them to church, teaching them about right and wrong, and helping them out in times of moral dilemma.

They must build a successful relationship with the child, as well as help them build a spiritual relationship with God. The extra love and support given by godparents can help children grow into better citizens of the world.