I don't work with spotted pythons, so I can't speak to their demeanor (Marissa can speak to that), they do get a little bigger than childrens but not much. The childrens pythons aren't that bad, snappy as babies, and mine is somewhat territorial in his cage, but once he is out he is fine, I have no issue letting my 6 year old son hold him. Plus they are so tiny that their bites are negligible. I think they are a really fun snake to work with and enjoy the big attitude in such a small package. I have been waiting to get my hands on a female, and I think the wait is just about over, the breeder I plan on getting her from had his clutch hatch so I am just waiting on an email when he is ready to sell.