Got my first snake when I was 11. He was a field-collected GTP whom I still have today.

If there was ever an example of what NOT to do when your kid is interested in reptiles, it would probably be what my dad did in buying his 11 year old a wild chondro. I do have scars, but I have lots of wonderful memories too, and after learning about the sad life some WC snakes have, I feel things couldn't possibly have ended up better for Craig. He has a large, naturalistic enclosure to himself where he is largely left to his own devices and seems grateful to have his meals handed to him rather than having to track them down. It was a potentially disastrous situation which turned into a happy ending.

I love GTPs, but they are not kid snakes. Just because it worked out for me does NOT mean it will work out for your kids. I don't recommend GTPs for children. I'd even be leery giving one to a teenager. They are not "pets", they are more like a living decoration.