As parents, we work tirelessly to protect our children—from choosing the safest car seats to finding the best schools and preparing healthy meals. But many loving, responsible parents unknowingly leave their children vulnerable when it comes to the most critical protection of all: what happens if you’re no longer there to care for them. Naming guardians isn’t just about filling in a blank on a will—it’s about ensuring that, no matter what life brings, your children are raised with love, stability, and the values that matter most to you. Sadly, small mistakes in guardianship planning can have devastating consequences. In this article, we’ll walk through seven of the most common mistakes parents make—and show you how to avoid them, giving your family true peace of mind.