They are just curious snakes. My 8 yr old (who the snake "belongs" to) picks ours up on her own. I taught her to always go in with two hands, one for the front third of the snake and one for the back third. Or if she's curled up in the hide, scoop with both hands. Let them see you coming. I'm not saying dangle your your hand in front of them, but let them know you're there.
Also, watch some videos of snake bites. It helps. It's not that bad (not that I've been bitten...hehe) and once you see that it's like literally like a scratch it's hard to be that scared anymore.