Often kids like to fish with a rod like their dad's and that means with reel and guides etc. Why not place a foam indicator on the line at the point where you don't want the to enter the guides. Then it won't syphon back and he will be fishing just like dad, with his "special" rod.

I always fear that some change in the equation can ruin it for someone that age and what we often see as minor they see as major.

Enjoy,
jed