The best advice I can give you is:

1) http://www.chameleonforums.com/

2) They aren't cheap, but they aren't as difficult to get to thrive in captivity as some sources claim.

3) The most important diet advice I have is variety is good.

4) Don't get your heart set on a veiled right away just because it's the first chameleon your son held. I highly recommend panther chameleons as well.. their colors are out of this world.