What is the relationship like with your godchildren?

In our series «We ask ourselves ...», we at Fritz+Fränzi ask each other questions from the big family universe. Sales Manager Jacqueline Zygmont's question is answered by her colleague Corina Sarasin.

Dear Corina, what are you like as a godparent? What does this role mean to you and how is your relationship with your godchildren?

"I have three godchildren*, one girl and two boys. I once had a fourth godchild, but unfortunately the friendship between the mother and me broke down and that was the end of my role as godparent. I wrote a letter to my godchild at the time and offered to continue to be there for her. But I don't think she got the letter.

In my opinion, the importance of godparents does not only depend on the person themselves or the godchild in question. For me, the parents are the decisive factors. If they want it, then I can have a place in the child's life as a godparent. And if not, then I can do what I want, it won't work.

The parents must want to allow the role of godfather.

I have a great relationship with my other three and I really enjoy being a godparent. The relationships with the three of them are different. My eldest godchild, who is now 22 years old, is my sister's first child and I was often with her, even as a small baby, and later I looked after her again and again.

My second godchild, who is now ten, is also often with me - even overnight. I have the feeling that he really enjoys it. He senses that he has a very special meaning for me as my godchild and simply enjoys my full attention - especially because I don't have any children of my own. But I don't always put on a huge programme when we see each other. Of course we've been to Europapark, but we also do simple things together, go shopping and cook together.

Corina Sarasin on holiday with her godson, his parents and other friends.
Corina Sarasin on holiday with her godson, his parents and other friends.

I try to include him in my everyday life and give him a special role. For once, he's not my big brother or son, he's my godson. "That's something special," he once said to his mum.

I rarely see my youngest godchild. But he's also only eight years old and lives a bit further away. I therefore fulfil my role as godfather a little less actively than with the others, I don't go babysitting or take him to see me at the weekend. Not that I don't want to, but I think it's good for everyone and he's just as happy when we see each other. I'm also very special to him as a godparent, a person who is only there for him and not for his other two siblings.

I have never turned down a godparent request. But I'm not just a gift goddess, it's important to me that I know my godchildren well and can build a relationship with them. I see my role as a godparent as helping out whenever I'm needed in the family or when my godchild wants something from me.

I think it's important to discuss this with the parents in advance so that the expectations and wishes are clear on both sides. I have great memories of my own godmother and godfather. As a child, I was often allowed to go on holiday with my godmother to Bern or with my godfather in the caravan and I always really enjoyed it. Today we have almost no contact, but that's OK with me. It used to be the case that you had done your job as a godparent as soon as your child turned 18. I don't see it that way myself with my godchildren. The eldest is already well over 18 and lives on her own. She knows that she can always come to me if she wants to. They can all count on me, my godchildren." *For all German readers: In Switzerland, the godmother is called Gotte and the godchild is consequently called Gottenkind. The male counterpart is the Götti.

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The next question goes to publishing assistant Dominique Binder:

Dear Dominique, I grew up with two sisters, you as an only child. What are the advantages and disadvantages for you as a child and also as an adult without siblings?

You can read the answer here:

Wie ist es, als Einzelkind aufzuwachsen?

Previously published in the section «We ask ourselves»:

  • Chefredaktor Nik Niethammer antwortet auf die Frage: Lieber Nik, glauben deine Kinder eigentlich noch an Samichlaus und Christkind? Redaktorin Florina Schwander antwortet auf die Frage: Liebe Florina, bekommen deine Zwillinge die gleichen Geschenke zu Weihnachten?
  • Leitende Autorin Claudia Landolt antwortet auf die Frage: Wie lebt es sich als Frau mit fünf Männern plus Hund?
  • Stellvertrende Chefredaktorin Evelin Hartmann antwortet auf die Frage: Wie macht ihr das mit der Zweisprachigkeit Hochdeutsch - Schweizerdeutsch?
  • Patrik Luther, stellvertretender Verlagsleiter, antwortet auf die Frage: Wie ist das, wenn die Kinder einen grossen Altersunterschied haben?
  • Florian Blumer, Leiter Produktion, antwortet auf die Frage: Wie gelingt es euch, Arbeit, Familie und Haushalt gleichberechtigt zu verteilen?Bianca Fritz, Leitung Online, antwortet auf die Frage: Wie ist das eigentlich, als (noch) Kinderlose für ein Elternmagazin zu arbeiten?Sales-Managerin Jacqueline Zygmont antwortet auf die Frage: Wie geht das mit dem Loslassen, wenn der Sohn (20) langsam flügge wird?