My mother-in-law FREAKED OUT when she saw the 'jungle bedroom' I am painting for my sons, because she says?

If the snake is smiling and is a friendly snake then I don't see the problem. A lot of kids have those stuffed and rubber toy snakes and there is nothing bad about them. Tell your MIL that your children like it, and it goes with the theme. If she doesnt like it, tell her not to go in there.Or you can just laugh her off when she makes comments if you dont want to get into a serious chat about it with her.