Responses
i don't think thats the point, in my opinion, he's conflicted on how the kid is being raised (having to keep everything to himself and always do everything himself) because it sorta parallels his own childhood. He wants to play a more active role in his life and allow him to find support in others but also wants him to be independent so he'll be okay once his granny does pass away. But then again neither of us are the author so your guess is as good as mine.
I think they're going to adopt that kid in case granny no longer lives?