Well i got my first ball python when i turned 16. I got him from a guy on craigslist that didn't want him so i gave him 30 bucks for her. What i did was get the snake and tell her when i got it lol. She didn't mind as much as i thought she would and she doesn't like them.. so if your mom knows u have a corn.. just go for the bp. the worst she can say is no.