Classical Music

My children love music. From the time they were babies in the womb, they have listened to and loved music. Yes, I admit it. I was one of those people who put headphones on their belly at night and played classical music in hopes of making my kids smarter. The jury's still out on that one, unless you count being a smart-aleck. They've got that one completely covered!
Anyway, their nursery had a radio in it from day one. For the first four years of their lives, they listened to the same classical CD each and every night. At some point they asked to just listen to the radio, so we allowed it, thinking that exposing them to the music we like would be a good thing. Now they know the chorus (and just the chorus) to at least 87 songs, some of which are probably not things a six year old should sing. Hearing Savannah ask if "anybody out there wants to have a cold beer and kick it till the morning light" caused me to think that perhaps a change of station was in order, but to what? Classic rock? Hmm, would I rather have her sing about drugs, sex, or alcohol? Let's go with none of the above!
One of my girls has been having trouble sleeping lately. It has always taken her a little longer to fall asleep than her sister, but lately it's gotten ridiculous. The other morning she showed up at my bedside at 2:30 AM, chatting like it was two in the afternoon. She often tells us she hasn't been to sleep or that she just fell asleep, and judging by the black circles under her eyes, I have to believe her.          Since she, like her mother, is a much more pleasant creature when she has had enough sleep, we began to try to sort out the problem. She doesn't drink excessive amounts of caffeine or play games right up until bedtime. We figured adding a bit more exercise would help, and then the light bulb came on. We decided that perhaps she was lying up there listening to the radio (and learning the words to inappropriate songs) all night. So in what we considered a brilliant move on our part, we switched back to the classical music they loved as babies.
To say that the kids were less than impressed is a monumental understatement. The way they wailed you would have thought we had taken everything near and dear to them and set it on fire. The one who doesn't have trouble sleeping was the most upset, because obviously we were punishing her for something that wasn't her fault.
The most exciting development in the whole situation is this: after only two nights, both girls are much more well-rested and cheerful in the morning. Perhaps mom and dad are not so dumb...
I have shared all of this to say: If my children tell you that I am torturing them with classical music, you will know it's for a good cause!