Make sure that he is not hungry. He could be striking because he wants food. He could be striking because, like your father pointed out, the only time something came into his cage was to feed him, so he naturally strikes because he is not accustomed to being held. I would recommend you handle him for short periods of time frequently. The only time that I would not hold one of mine is the night I feed. If a snake eats, I leave it alone until the next day. The most important thing if for you to relax, the baby snake is stressed out thinking you are going to eat him. No sense in both of you being stressed out.
Relax, frequent handlings for short periods of time. Gradually, the snake should start to calm down a little. As they get older, they become a little calmer. Good luck.