Hi, I'm also fairly new to owning and handling my Children's python but I've learnt a lot just through observation and handling.
When I first started I was nervous (keep in mind i gave him 2 weeks to settle in first and a meal before trying anything) I would use the snake hook to just gentle rub his scales, and this was just to wake him up and let him know that it was me. I did this for the first week or so, and my confidence slowly improved. The very next week I just used my hands, firstly using my index to rub his scales (Head to Tail!) to let him know and wake up, then proceed to lift his hide off him, then just pick him up from the mid section.
Other words of advice, My snake feels most comfortable with his tail wrapped around my left wrist, he does this to feel secure and not fall-fall, I also like this because this way i know he'll be fine. He is rather inquisitive and likes to slither in my hair the most, its funny because he moves so much and it feels like a light massage
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ALSO when he's on my lap I don't lift him straight off, especially when he uses his body to grip my jeans, instead i found that "sliding him" forward it the way his head is and lifting up is the easiest way of getting him off my jeans.
Try to support most of their body, left them do what they want, so let them climb on you till they can find a comfortable place to relax. Don't touch their head or the first part of their neck, apart from underneath them, it feels unnatural and can make them feel threatened.
But the one thing i realise with most people is that they use a hook, pillow case or other things to get their snakes out. I just find that as long as he is forewarned (rubbing of scales to wake up) he is fine to be handled.
Again ,wash hands before and after handling helps minimise the possibility of bites.
And the fear of being bitten is worse then being bitten (first hand experience xD).
So just do what feels right to you, but for now i recommend using your snake hook until you build up your confidence, be confident and don't pussy-foot around when picking up your snake, straight in, straight out.