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Bosley The Bear

Bosley the Bear is a friendly puppet program that is part of an exciting and comprehensive child-friendly presentation designed to educate kindergarten through third grade children about what to do when confronted with abusive behavior. The non-profit Barbara Sinatra Children's Center at Eisenhower has been effectively partnering with public and private school districts and service groups to meet the needs of this significantly at-risk group for more than 15 years.

"My uncle touched me in my private parts and I didn't like it, but he told me not to tell or we would get into trouble."

The well-paced and lively 20-minute program is approved by valley school districts and has been lauded by professionals, government officials, parents and students. The popular presentation provides age-appropriate guidelines and resources in a gentle, warm, fun and confidence-enhancing interactive presentation that incorporates poetry, music and conversations with the students. Bosley, a cuddly puppet, and his friends, a variety of stuffed animals and other affable puppets, share advice that children can easily understand and use to protect themselves. The Barbara Sinatra Children's Center at Eisenhower conducts and coordinates the presentations.

"My mom's boyfriend and his friend put their weenies in my private parts when they watch me while she is at work. When I cry they tell me to act like a big girl."

Bosley and his friends emphasize to each child that he or she is very special because there will never be anyone in the whole world just like them. The puppets interact with each other and the children about what it means to be big and strong and the need to be careful when playing so no one gets hurt. This leads to a discussion about what might happen if a big person gets abusive. The Children's Center facilitator leads an animated conversation about most youngsters having someone bigger who takes care of them and who these people might be (parents and their friends, babysitters, big brother or big sister, grandparents and uncles). The children talk about what happens when someone is hit too hard and that sometimes bruises happen when they fall down in the playground. But, if someone hits so hard that they get bruises on their body they need to tell someone. Focus then shifts to identifying adults who can be trusted (teachers, counselors, police and fire men and women and others).

"My mom sometimes doesn't get out of bed all day and when she does she hits me with an umbrella."

Bosley talks to the children about spanking. The puppets ask the children if it is OK for adults to use a belt? A shoe? A stick? A coat hanger? He asks if it is OK to spank with a fist or hit the child in the head? They talk about parts of their body that could get hurt: head (brains), chest (hearts and lungs) and back (bones).

Puppet Bob tells his friend Lisa that his uncle touched him in his private parts and he did not like it and that his uncle said not to tell or they would both get into trouble.

The program gently initiates a conversation about child sexual abuse by showing a drawing of a boy and girl wearing bathing suits. A puppet says, "We have some very special parts of our bodies. They are the parts covered by our bathing suit. They are called our private parts. No one but you should be touching your private parts, and you should not touch anyone else's private parts. You all are old enough to take baths and showers by yourselves and keep your bodies nice and clean, aren't you? The only time someone should be touching your private parts is when you go to the doctor."

The puppets play act several scenarios about good friends Bob and Lisa, who play together every day. One day Lisa finds Bob crying. She tells him she does not like to see him so unhappy and asks what is wrong. In a whisper, puppet Bob tells her about his uncle touching his private parts. Lisa correctly tells Bob that they need to get Bob help. "Let's go tell the teacher." Bob and Lisa go to the teacher who confirms that they were right to come to her and that it is wrong for someone to touch their private parts and that none of this is Bob's fault. The Children's Center representative then leads the class in making puppet Bob comfortable and, as a chorus, sings out, "Bob, it's not your fault." The discussion then focuses on other people Lisa and Bob could go to and that if the first person does not listen, it is important to keep going to other adults until someone says they will help.

"There are yucky touches, but there are lots of good touches. Kisses goodnight from mom or dad when they tuck me into bed, cuddling up to read a story, holding hands, high fives and a pat on the back are good."

Bosley the Bear invites each boy and girl who wants to, to come to the front of the room and give him a hug or high five. Bosley's pals, Bob and Lisa, are available for hugs, too. Bosley the Bear tells the children he had a good time and thanks them for coming. He leaves them with the closing words reminding them they are each special and to always think of him as their special friend.

Each child is given a special Barbara Sinatra Children's Center Bosley the Bear coloring book to take home, along with a "Tips for Parents" brochure. Spanish versions of this material are available. The Barbara Sinatra Children's Center's Bosley the Bear program wants to do everything possible to make the world a safer, happier and healthier place for children.