Shadow~Wolf wrote:i'd love to get a ball python, i've done alot of research and i have saved up money set aside. The problem is that my mom is terrified of snakes! she won't even consider letting me get one :C
My mom was like that, too. If you're able, can you convince your mom to take you to a reptile expo? She doesn't have to hold or touch anything, but it can help for her to see they're not that frightening. When I held my first snake at the expo, it just balled up and wouldn't move the entire time I held it. Most of them are like that. :P So seeing that can help her realize they're not trying to eat her. It's definitely important to realize that phobias of snakes are really common, so trying to dispel myths about them won't necessarily help alone (ie. telling her they don't size things up to eat, that they won't chase, they're just defensive and not aggressive, etc.).
Exposure is a big key... if you're able to convince her. Definitely don't force it, though, because that can make it worse. If she's amenable to it, I also see some people who are afraid of snakes helping themselves get over it by looking at cute pictures. In particular, the trend where people draw arms/accessories/expressions on snakes has helped (like
this or
this).
It may also help if you explain to her how you plan on keeping the snake. I often get asked if I'm worried about my snake escaping, and it sounds much better to say "my lids have locks on them" than "I just weigh it down with something heavy." If you have the money or you're very DIY savvy, you can get an enclosure that actually has a key lock. But informing your mom things like: the snake will stay in your room, the enclosure locks to prevent any escaping, they're very shy and hide all the time which is why they're called "ball" pythons, etc. may help a little. Sometimes giving a little may help (ex. "what can I do to help you feel better about this decision", "is there anything in particular you're worried about (in regards to my care or the snake's behavior)", etc.). It helps in the sense to show her you care about what she thinks, ask how you can address those worries, but also not come off as begging ("I'll do all the laundry, I'll wash all the dishes, etc.") because that will definitely not help your cause.
-fireflii