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have godparents with little interaction in their lives, how do you juggle attention for your own godchild without the other children becoming sharply aware of their own lack of a special mentor' and your godchild feeling they are special too?

I think, as a godparent, issues and dilemmas similar to actual parenting of a child and family dynamics can come under play, but with the twist you do not have the day to day responsibilities of changing nappies and walking the boards at 3am during teething!

In some ways, the godparent role can be a strong focus for the child in a positive way if the feelings and needs of the whole family are considered as the bigger picture. Navigating a child's immature feelings and behaviors (where in fact they are learning important life skills such as boundaries and self-esteem, etc) can be tricky and challenging, even to the point of being in a place of dilemma as to how to behave or be involved

Being a godparent can potentially be a fulfilling and rich experience to share the wonder of a growing child who, in time, begins to explore their world on a spiritual and social level. The role of being mentor (if this is the stance you take with the whole godparent thing') can be enjoyable and emotionally filling. I think it is, in our materially-orientated world, a special ceremony that can symbolize a special union through connecting us with the common bond of love we share with our family and loved ones.

Learn more about this author, Donni Hakanson.
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