Quote Originally Posted by frankykeno
Just try to remember to think of it from the snake's point of view. It hasn't a clue who you or your daughter are...you are just big possible predators in it's little basic mind. It only wants to survive so it's going to act defensively for awhile till it gets used to your being around it. It can't bond or interact like a dog or cat will do but with patience, kind but firm handling, respecting it for what it is and more importantly for what it's not most come around quite nicely.

The best thing is to establish habits and routines that you do over and over again. Eventually the snake will come to recognize them in a basic way and be less stressed by your being around it. I know it's hard but remember that you have a long relationship with this snake ahead of you so these first slow, careful weeks and months are building the relationship. It's never going to be like a "normal" pet...it is afterall a snake and basically wild at heart but it and you and your daughter can end up with a lovely, very special bond that's unsurpassed in my mind.
excellent advice Jo.