Bedtime music + 2 girls = fights

[Astrid]

DD1 and DD2 share a bedroom. Both love to have music at bedtime and for quite awhile were quite happy to have the same music. It has all now changed.

DD1 has become a real primary school girl and wants older music (Lion King soundtrack, Lady Gaga). DD2 is still a bit of a bub and wants Peace Baby or Wiggles. They used to take turns, but it has gotten to the point where DD2 is very demanding (ie screaming and crying) for her choice. She is quite tired, as we have stopped naps.

Now, I think we should just let DD2 have Peace Baby on. It means she will go to sleep quickly and happily, then DD1 can have her choice, as she takes longer to go to sleep. DH thinks that is unfair and that they should always take turns. Whilst I agree to an extent as it is logical, but DD2 being only 3 is not really logical and it must be hard to go to sleep to music that you don't want. I just think my way satisfies both girls, technically they are taking turns, just both in the same night. With DH's way, DD1 gets to pick each night, as we change the music for her once DD2 is asleep. So to me, she gets more choice.

So what would you do (other than stop the music all together)

[feeb]

Could you put DD2 to bed and then 20 mins later put DD1 to bed with her music going??

I think expecting a 3 year old to have there music alternate nights is asking a bit much as I know when 3 year old is tired and irrational that nothing will be listened too.

Or how about get DS1 an ipod and she can listen on headphones.

Good luck working it out.

[Astrid]

The music is on an Ipod in a speaker dock. We were going to get DD1 her own Ipod ages ago, but that was when they changed the style of the Nano. Might consider it for, I wonder how she would go with a shuffle?

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

I would make the argument that Lady Gaga isn't sleepy music! I have to be particular with the music I play DS as some just entertains and amuses rather than sends to sleep. Lion King and Wiggles would keep my DS up.

We have about 8 tracks on one CD we can use and also one of the three music selections on a sleepy music toy. DS doesn't get to pick, he just gets the sleepy music!

Maybe give your DDs a chance to listen and dance to their other music earlier in the day, then you pick the sleepy music. Peace Baby sounds like it would be sleepy music.

Failing that, have DD1 go to bed a half-hour later than DD2 as she's a "big girl". She can use this half-hour for calm things, such as reading. Then both girls get the music they want.

[feeb]

Ahhh ok might be a good idea! Sure once she was showen how to use it would be ok, might be worth a try.

[Astrid]

DD1 is probably getting to that point of a later bedtime. Would be interesting to see how DD2 handles it, she may not go to sleep. I know DH will argue against it, as he just wants to get them to bed (well so do I )

[Rouge]

I'm with TFB. I'd be suggesting sleepy music. BUT I know that wasn't your question... and I know everyone is different. So tell me to shove it if you like

Otherwise... I'd go with the idea you had of sleepy music first, and then her music once she's asleep. We never could do different bedtimes here... meltdowns ensued.

[Astrid]

when fisrst posting I was not thinking of other suggestions, but am welcoming them now (sometimes I don't know what I want )

DD1 has been saying the instrumental style of music gives her the "Scares". Have no idea why, as Peace baby, Enya, Robert Miles, would always work for her.

[Rouge]

Have you thought of the alternative lullaby's? Depending on if there is any music they might know that you both listen to... they might have them.