Question about snakes with kids

[JMinILM]

If you don't want her holding the snake, let her think she is holding it. You can support most of the body weight, and allow her to hold a section. Kind of like when they have a team of people holding a burm during a reptile show. Obviously never leave her alone with one. I have horror stories for you. None about the snake harming the child, either.

Exactly what I would say.

My kids have grown up around snakes and I would trust my 6 or 8 year old with them much more than the average adult. I'm still usually in the room, but they hold them as I clean tubs all the time. Our 4 year old daughter holds them, but with me or an older brother in arms reach. Our 2 year old son pets them and holds a part of them like described above. They love it and at that age can be taught the right way to handle them.