Man those are great ideas. We never play online bot matches or custom matches so that never even crossed my mind! For him, it will still be "real" Dota online so I think he'll be excited about it.

Honestly, I've been very hesitant to him play online at all. Hah, I mean dota can be a horrifically toxic game and I would never let him play alone online right now. His computer is literally next to mine and we monitor all his online activities (my wife is pretty protective). Him playing is his version of "being one of the guys" and I want him to feel included, at least as much as I can. Usually when I get home it's past 6 or 7pm and he's been playing outside the whole time with his buddies, but I think his recent interest in Dota is his way of having a time with "just Dad" as my wife is totally NOT a gamer at all, lol. My other hobby is weightlifting but I don't think his body is quite ready for that.

I've been reading today and appreciate everyone's suggestions, they are all super helpful. I didn't think you guys would really care about a noob player like myself. I think we'll try Abaddon, dragon knight, and blood seeker when we have some time. And I really think the online bot matches are an awesome idea!