The Legacy Bond

How to complete The Legacy Bond

You formally take on a lasting role in a child's life, whether through a religious christening or a standing 'honorary aunt/uncle' agreement with the parents. The weight here is the commitment to show up over years, not the title itself.

1. Have a direct conversation with the parents about what role they want and what you're agreeing to
2. Clarify expectations: is this ceremonial, a true guardianship-if-needed arrangement, or both
3. If guardianship is real, ask them to name you in their will or a legal guardianship document
4. Mark the role with a ceremony, a christening, or a simple shared meal with the family
5. Start the habit now: birthdays remembered, occasional one-on-one time, a card or call you actually keep up

Tips

• Don't accept the role to flatter the parents; only say yes if you can realistically be present for a decade-plus
• If legal guardianship is implied, get it written down so it's enforceable, not just a verbal promise

What counts as done

The parents have explicitly named you as godparent or honorary guardian, and you've begun the relationship with the child.