Godparent Duties?

In my family, godparents were more like aunts and uncles. They attended all the important events in our lives (although most fall down on the job, my sister's godfather filled in for the both of us), and were truly family, even if they weren't blood. The main reason behind godparents is to ensure the continued religious worship, but it can be what you make it.

Some gift ideas would be a crucifix to hang above their door, their "first bible" - they have some board book ones, and there are plenty of Precious Moment and other ideas at stores either retail, or at your church.

The point of godparents isn't for the gifts, but for the relationship. Ask your friend if she has any expectations, other than you being a part of her daughter's life.

I am a Godmother of 4 children that are not siblings. I cherish this responsibility and though theyre all growing up and dont wanna hang w/me anymore, I make sure I still check in with them often and acknowledge their birthdays, graduations and other special occasions. All of my childrens Godparents have slacked off greatly and it is very disappointing to me. I'm not sure what my kids feelings are about it if any. My best advice is if you're going to accept remember this is a lifetime committment and the part that most people tend to forget (or maybe it doesnt stand anymore) is that the Godparents are supposed to take care of the minor children should something happen to the parents. My Godmother put $20 in my Christmas card a few weeks ago and I was tickled pink!

i really dont know. i havent chosen my daughters godparents. but they would have to be family only!!!! even though i love my friends i would rather it be in the family-same blood. but thats cool that she choose you. thats says alot.
specials gifts. help her buy baby stuff. if she says that she needs something or would like something go get it with out them knowing. act like it was your granddaughter or your own daughter.

In our family the Godmother buys the dress and the accessories, like booties and a blanket and a savings bond. The Godfather usually buys a religious necklace and charm. Good Luck!

my sister and i bought adult charm bracelet for each others girls
each year i get my neice a charm sometime during the year and it represents something from that year, like the first one was a bible for the christening and the year my nephew was born she got a baby charm, the year they moved into a new house they built she got a house charm
we alternated silver and gold and by the time they are old enough to wear it it will be full

To be a God Mother is a big honor and a big responsibility. But first of all it is a responsibility of a spiritual and religious upbringing. You would buy a necessary stuff Christening (maybe a cross or outfit for it, just an ideas e.t.c.) Then take a baby to church on holidays/Sundays to make sure she gets communion on a regular basis. Later on prepare her for her first big communion (I think age of 7) But again it depends which religion and church the family confesses. And then also if anytime in life she is in need of anything, you should be there to help or to support. Jut be her God Mother, I think the title says for itself.
I am a God Mother of 3 girls and I am very proud of it, and I truly love those God children of mine, as there were my own flash and blood.
Good luck!

In my family we always give a godchild gift at Christmas that is part of a series--for girls it could be a new snowglobe that the child receives 1 new one each year or for a boy, a pewter train where we give 1 new car each year. Another idea is a piece to a nativity set (non-breakable) each year starting off with the manger/creche. Then, when they get a bit older (teens) and we've exhausted the gift series we often go to savings bonds.

I don't think we always relate the baptismal gift to the ongoing godchild Christmas gifts. One neat gift I like to give new babies is the personalized I See Me books that celebrate their name with either animals or fairies. www.iseeme.com I've gotten great feedback from the recipients because choosing the child's name is such a big decision and the parents are proud of their choice.

AE

A little about me: work from home office mom with 4 yr old son and 1 yr old daughter

I have the most FABULOUS godmother, we have always spent special days together, and she has given me some special gifts- the last one was a silver charm bracelet with my name and 30th birthday engraved on it. When each one of my children were born, she gave me a charm for each occasion with their names and birthdates engraved on them. You could start a charm bracelet for her now with new charms for every special occasion in her life.......

The Godparents responsibilities are to ensure that the child is raised in the church and continues to learn and praise God no matter what happens. If you have questions about your 'duties' as a Godmother, I would suggest talking to your friend about what she expects form you and either you or both of you together go and visit with the Pastor of the church. He/She would be able to answer any questions and clarify anything you may have in questions. That being said, I have given my Godson, special gifts, such as a bible, bible story books, a cross for is room, etc. I also give him an gift at Christmas and birthday, that are usually not religious but let him know that I am thinking about him!! My daughters godparent's have taken on a similar role. My older daughter's God parents are one of her Aunts and Uncles but they have a special relationship, different from her other Aunts and Uncles, just in her knowing that they are her God parents and care for her in a special way!! I think that more than gifts, just a special relationship is most important!

My daughter's Godmother bought her a necklace with one pearl on it when she was born. At each birthday, and on religious occasions (baptism, 1st communion, etc) she receives another pearl. The idea is that when she's all grown up, she'll have an entire pearl necklace, maybe to wear on her wedding day.