While the godparents' tradition dates back for centuries and owes its origins to deep religious faith and pragmatic rationale alike, recent times show its role changing as the basic family dynamic shifts and evolves.

There's a certain truth to the popular conception of godparents as merely pipelines for additional children's gifts. But experts say there are many more practical and important roles for grandparents to fill, even beyond the special occasions like holidays and birthdays.

Godparents' roles work for the parents and child alike

Godparents can be a special advocate for the child and parents both, and offer buffering support between the two. Experts say children sometimes need an extra set of adult perspectives, beyond the mother and father. As someone with a certain distance from a given parent/child conflict, godparents can offer a detached viewpoint and counsel the child on what's best for them.

Many godparents are now taking on the role of mentor, bringing the child on trips or day excursions to museums, concerts, and other educational events. The time spent at such events provides a chance to fulfill a secular version of their traditional role in guiding the child's religious education.

Godparent selection isn't a popularity contest

Expectant parents are often confused about which of their friends and relatives will make the best godparent. Experts say the ideal solution is to pick someone you trust with your child's growth – even if that's not necessarily the most affluent person in your life.

In many cases, fortunes change and reverse as years go by, so the single, upwardly mobile friend now may not be the most available godparent ten or fifteen years down the line. Conversely, the struggling graduate student may blossom in time to a worldly academic, providing all kinds of advice and counseling for your child's college years. Of course, it's impossible to predict the future – but don't assume present circumstances are carved in stone, either.

Finally, make sure the potential godparent understands what you expect of them by way of participating in your child's growth. Working out some boundaries and mutual understandings in advance will help smooth out any communication bumps in the years to come.