Is this with your new D70?
Hi ChowChi,
If this is with your D70, then I strongly recommend that you DO NOT use "Auto". The reason is that it defaults to the "Closest Focus Area" mode. So even though you have the camera pointed at your child's face, it will focus on the table in front of him.
I recommend that you use the "P" mode and set ISO to "Auto". You'll greatly improve your number of keepers. I also recommend that you take your time going through your manual page by page and playing with your camera. Jump to the sections on:
Focus
White-balance
P-mode
Shutter Priority
Aperature Priority
Also check out:
http://www.nikondigitutor.com/eng/d70/index.php
If you have questions about a certain page in the manual, post them to the DSLR help board. I'll do my best to answer.
If this is not about your new Nikon, disregard my reply.
BR,
Tim