| All snakes are different, I dont think they would enjoy being patted or stroked on the head like a dog but we allow ours to free crawl over our arms ( or down the shirt) where ever they want to go. I can't see why you would need to grab one behind the head for starters , there is just no need to do it.
My 4 yr old walks around with my coastal wrapped around his shoulders quiet happy but in saying that I think children from an early age should be taught respect for animals and not left alone with one. Children's good handling comes from the parents teaching how to handle and respect creatures, if something happens to a child ( python bites ) then it is just either a freak thing or something your child has done to startle the snake.
__________________ "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away" Stacey | 
