To be a godparent is an ecclesial function. Emphasis should be placed on the godparents' ability to support their godchild in the faith. Consideration should be given to proximity. Very much a part of the commitment made at baptism, regardless of the age of the person baptized, is the need for post-baptismal instruction . In the case of children, this is the primary responsibility of parents.
Parishes offer assistance via various forms of catechesis.
The bottom line, however, is that parents are expected not only to present a baby for baptism, but to commit themselves to an ongoing study of the faith so that they can model Catholicism for their child. Parents are expected to pray with their child, attend Mass with their child, receive the sacrament of reconciliation with their child and introduce that child to the devotional practices of the Catholic Church. A sign of broken pledges to God is found when parents send their children to Mass without attending themselves or to catechism classes without practicing Catholicism themselves. It is a most painful experience to see tears in the eyes of children as they try to excuse their parents for not attending Mass with them, going to confession with them, praying with them in the home. Yet this is a common experience for catechists.