WDHS "kids" with teacher Russ Gibb
One of Us Films hosted a baking day for clients, colleagues, kids and friends. The goodies were then shared at a WDHS holiday reunion. WDHS is the television studio at Dearborn High School, that produced alum who currently work in television, film and media. 
showing off a Night Before Christmas Mouse
DETROIT, MI
DVD HELPS PARENTS AND EDUCATORS TALK TO KIDS ABOUT PERSONAL BODY SAFETY
One of Us Films announces the release of Daisy Tells a Secret, an animated story about personal safety and body ownership for children four to eight years old. The DVD includes interviews with psychology, safety and medical experts with the aim of helping adults navigate age appropriate conversations with children on the challenging subject of sexual abuse. The DVD was commissioned by HAVEN, which provides domestic violence and sexual assault treatment and prevention services in Southeastern Michigan.
“Daisy tells her story of being sexually assaulted,” reports HAVEN’s President and CEO Beth Morrison. “Within that story, she’s able to talk about sensitive issues while relating to kids in a comfortable and safe manner. In the video, Daisy learns the difference between a good secret and a bad secret, and she helps kids take ownership of their bodies by being aware what’s appropriate and inappropriate in terms of touching.”
With financial support from the Verizon Foundation, HAVEN commissioned One of Us Films to produce the Daisy Tells a Secret for prevention educational programming. HAVEN presently uses Daisy the Raven as their mascot in their successful prevention education programs throughout SE Michigan. This film takes the message to a national audience.
Two versions of the instructional DVDs have been produced–one for parents that retails for $19.95 each and one for use by schools, educators, healthcare providers, and daycare and prevention centers that is available for $49.95 to $195.95. The animation is available in English and Spanish, and a specially edited American Sign Language version. DVD excerpts and purchasing instructions are available at www.daisytellsasecret.com.
Materials on the DVDs include photos depicting good, bad and “mixed-up” touches, a discussion tip sheet and coloring pages. Supporting materials are also available on the website, www.daisytellsasecret.com
Director Lora Probert guided animation and DVD content by working closely with HAVEN’s Director of Prevention Education, Cristy Cardinal. “It’s a difficult subject and can be uncomfortable for adults,” says Probert. “Hopefully, Daisy makes it easier for kids and their parents to talk about it.”
Novi Police Detective Mark Boody appears in the DVD, advising parents of steps they can take to help protect their kids. “Let them know that it’s okay to talk,” he says, “that they can disclose if something has happened to them without the fear that they’ve done something wrong or that they’re in trouble.”
One of Us Films is a Detroit-based media production and distribution company. For more information contact Carrie LeZotte at clezotte@oneofusfilms.org and (313)300-8233.
HAVEN is a nationally recognized non-profit that has been giving hope a voice by working towards eliminating domestic violence and sexual assault for thirty five years. The non-profit offers treatment and prevention services as well as educational programs across Oakland County and the surrounding communities. For more information about programs and services visit www.haven-oakland.org, or phone (248) 334-1284. For more information about HAVEN, please contact Melissa Bunker at marketwrite@comcast.net and (313) 886-9074.
Daisy and Clover
Talking to a child about private body areas and inappropriate touching can make any parent feel uncomfortable and awkward, but it’s an important step in keeping your child safe. Jennifer Parker, a prevention education specialist with a domestic violence prevention education program in Michigan, suggests that speaking with your children about their bodies should be as important as any other safety conversation, “When a parent talks to their child about good touches and bad touches, they should spend just as much time on that as they do any other safety planning.” Use these tips as a guide to assist you in discussion with your child in a relaxed, engaging and entertaining manner.
When you are ready to speak with your child, give them your undivided attention and make sure to proceed at a pace that allows time for your child to ask questions, express their thoughts and voice concerns. “Children will pick up, from the parents, what the parent’s attitudes are, whether they’re expressed in words or in body language or in tone of voice,” said Dr. Kathleen Colborn-Faller, the Director of the Family Assessment Clinic at the University of Michigan. It is essential to be conscious of yourself and your actions during the conversation. “It’s almost like you’re telling a story to a child, making it maybe somewhat fun, somewhat interesting,” said Sexual Assault Therapist Marcia Scott.
It’s important for you to make a positive impact when talking to your child so that he or she doesn’t become nervous or develop anxiety regarding their bodies. Being prepared and thinking it through will help communicate the message in an affirmative manner. When speaking, it’s best to:
During the conversation, it’s important to teach your child the correct anatomical terms and not nicknames for body parts. “Many times parents will use, slang terminology for different areas of the body, but just as we talk about our ears, our nose, our hands, there’s no difference to talk about the private parts; the breasts, the penis, the vagina,” said Dr. Mary Jo Malafa, Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at St. Joseph Mercy. If anything happens to your child, having the correct terminology will allow them to accurately express to you or other trusted adults and possibly law enforcement, exactly what happened, with no confusion. Otherwise, “A lot of times, the legal system can dismiss it, and not take what they’re saying seriously,” said Marcia Scott.
Remember that open communication between you and your child is vital when it comes to learning about inappropriate touching. Your child should feel comfortable talking to you about their bodies without embarrassment. He or she should understand that when it comes to their body, they have the right to ask questions and voice their opinions. The ultimate goal of the conversation is that parents need to give children the message that their bodies are something to be proud of, that their bodies are their own, and that they should feel comfortable about themselves and their bodies.
For more information, visit the Daisy website.
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