We have four kids, 20, 16, 14 and 6. All but the 20 year old have their own "personal" snakes. Each is allowed to handle to their ability and with the supervision appropriate for their age group. Each is taught that if they don't show respect, care and close supervision of their snake...they won't be able to handle when they want. Each knows that handling is a gift in this house and it's to be done only to the level of that particular snake's ability to adjust to handling and working around the snake's shed or feeding cycles.

We also have strict rules about sanitizing their hands after any contact with the snakes, no allowing the snake near their mouths, no showing off to their buddies and no snake out if a parent is not home and within close proximity (with the 6 year old it is direct hands on with us at all times). Also even with the smaller snakes, no one is allowed to have a snake near or around their necks.

It's a lot of rules but the kids are used to them, understand why the rules exist and will quickly share those rules with visiting friends. The rules are there not only for the benefit of our children also for our snakes.