It's a great thing that you are doing, making a positive impact on someones life is something you don't often get a chance to do. I think you'll be surprised ho

It's a great thing that you are doing, making a positive impact on someones life is something you don't often get a chance to do. I think you'll be surprised how quickly infants do pick things up, but everyone learns at a different rate, so don't worry if he's behind in some things, there's plenty of time to catch up. I think one of the best things you can do is talk with him, kids pick up language really easily, and it's a great way to learn. Spend time talking more as equals than as parent/child. It's sometimes a difficult balance to get, you need to have authority at times, but at other times it's better to be a friend. Socalising with other kids is also important. So while putting in daycare may seem like you are avoiding taking care of him, it's really important for his development that he interacts with friends his own age. Kids (and I guess anyone) can be remarkably sensitive too, so make sure he feels safe at home and has some stability. Talk about this too as sometimes kids get thoughts in their heads that would be better talked about than left for them to dwell on. And don't worry about things to much, everyone learns this one on the job, you seem to care a lot, so I'm sure you'll do fine. And have fun with him, kids are a great way to relax (sometimes), and also an excuse to do things you wouldn't normally do.