young children around snakes

[southbay54]

How and what is the correct format for introducing young kids around snakes? My young like to hold them but after few seconds tends to go for the head. What is good format to used for future and now

[shadowsnakes]

When I introduce young children to any kind of reptile I offer the animal's back 1/2 for them to touch. Keep the neck and head in your control and don't let them touch the animal there, explaining it can frighten the snake. Compare it to an unfamiliar person touching their face, they might realize they wouldn't like that either!

Also be aware of the animal's body language. If it begins to coil, or tries to flee, it is time to put them back.

[Tarawr88]

I allow my son to pet our boa around mid-back, or if I'm doing a show, he occasionally gets to pet the top of his head (using one finger), but mostly because Selleck is VERY used to children and being touched on his head-- my partner and I have worked with him a ton. Big thing is that my son doesn't get to touch unless I've got control. When he grabs at the snake, I put him away, so Ivaan now associates his grabbing with snake going bye bye.

[ChrisS]

I'll let my son handle just about anything I handle (non-venomous of course). I just tell him to not grab the head and be gentle. I always stay right next to him for the animal's safety as well as my his. I don't want to have to explain a bite to his mother.
I don't think there is any one correct way to teach any child how to touch and/or handle a snake or other reptile.
Just be comfortable with what you allow.

[Libby]

Wasn't there another thread discussing this?

For kids, especially younger ones who haven't been around reptiles, I think the best way is to sit next to the child on a sofa, then put the snake's pointy end in your lap and the tail end in the child's. (Mostly for snake's comfort!) Emphasize being gentle with the snake and supervise closely. The snake will tend to move in your direction, so if you get a child prone to freaking out, you will be less likely to have a panic attack on your hands.

Be careful for your snake's sake, but enjoy the magic, too. My son has a friend who is severely autistic who asks to hold Millie every time he comes over.

[ironpython]

My grandsons love the snakes and my two yr old tries to kiss them I tell them to be gentle try not to let them grab them, but tell them to just rub. I get so tired of hearing family members talk about how dangerous it is keeping snakes in the house with my grands and how dangerous it is. All I have are ball pythons and they are kept in a locked room in racks but still have them talking ignorance pisses me off.

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