I don't believe in God as is usually espoused in various organised religions which, obviously, I don't believe in either (organised religion, that is). And I'm not going to teach my child creationism at any point, which I believe is complete fantasy. She'll no doubt get it from school and her peers, so she'll be introduced to creationism that way.

I'll teach her evolution and other scientifically supported theories which can be tested. If she chooses to believe in creationism at any piont I really won't mind. But it won't come from me. And I was brought up though Christian schooling right up until the end of high school and I made a choice not to believe, so I don't think that's really important. What I'd like my daughter to be is a critical thinker, and if I can help her to get there, I'll feel I've done something right as a parent.

What is it that interests your baby the most? Maybe that's what you should start with. I think it might have been a little easier for me and my baby as we already communicated many animals with sign language. This allowed us both to use animal noises (which she loves to imitate) as well as the sign to complement the flashcard's word and image. This caused quite a bit of interaction rather than she being a completely passive observer, which I imagine would make it more boring. It also enabled me to praise her often when ever she recognised the animal. Try My Baby Can Talk Dictionary of Signs to get you going. It amazing how fast they pick it up and when he can do a few, then try again with the ones he knows. If he accepts those, you can add a few more as you go along.

What you might try also is setting up a powerpoint or pdf or whatever works and operate it with him in your lap. The computer itself is a source of wonder for my girl and I usually get her to sit for awhile for a computer session.

But as everyone says, it must be fun. If it isn't then stop and try again later. And don't give up! Good luck!

My daughter is 18 months old and I've been showing her cards for a couple of months. She usually will watch at first then she may get restless after awhile, but I never have a problem getting her started.

From the beginning I tried to make the whole experience a game. I have a white folder where I keep the cards. I would pick up the folder and say "flashcards?", then start to dance with the folder in my hands dancing and singing "flashcards" over and over again. I picked her up dancing, and danced with her to my bed. I frolicked with her a bit then got her to sit up. The cards were close at hand and I would just whip them out and start flashing, always laughing and making it a game. It also helped that I do sign with her, so she especially likes animals and that's where I started. So apart from the card, I make the sign and the sound of the animal. My fingers always manage to tickle her after I make the sign. She shrieks in delight sometimes.

Now all I do is look at her and ask, "Flashcards?" Then she drops everything and runs into the bedroom laughing to begin.

Hope this experience is some help.