How to deal with loud music

(1994 April)


Dear Skip, my heart goes out to you in your problem of not being able to sleep because of [daughter] Sally's playing her records all night long. Now this is the very best and better [plans] and try them and stand FIRM.


Plan 1. You do not state your bed time, so I have to guess at that. Let us say Sally <15> has "a little girl over" and you and they retire at 10 with the understanding that leaves one hour for baths, shampoos, record, with QUIET at 11. Be very strict about this and shout if you must. Explain if you are going to provide food and shelter, you must have sleep. What will happen? Sally may play anyway. Then go calmly, take the records or machine to your room and do not give in that night but return all when you wake up.


Plan 2. Put her out in your shack [i.e. study] to spend the night, and let her play as much as she pleases. If that ground is too sacred, buy a tent and put it as far away from the house as possible. Have a plan with RR [Sally's godfather] to disguise himself as an Indian and come hooting down on her and break at least one record, scattering large pieces of paper on which "QUIET" is written, or "Go to Sleep."


I have a lot more, but perhaps the best of all is to explain well why you need sleep; and if ignored, give a couple good spanks on her bottom. Try these, and if results do not please will get new ones. BE FIRM. Of course there is bribery, and taking away favorite things. 11 p.m. is the time for SILENCE and be adamant! What about Sherry? Does she suffer in Silence?


... It seems to me I have talked to parents who entered into the child's fun and played games and danced right along with them until all retired at 11, exhausted. That was never LL.


Of course she has been having her way for some time now, and you will have your talk all ready. Sherry must be on your side.

But here is another thing: Is she never to be allowed a night to entertain? After all, she is one of the family. Explain to her that this is the way it has to be unless she is going to start supporting the family herself. So pick a night, not always a Thursday, Friday, etc. But by the week. Maybe you could trade - you could do her dishes so she could and must go upstairs and play records. But when you go to bed, it's LIGHTS OUT.


... I am surprised Sherry has put up with this.

Did you ever try these Ear Plugs travelling men often use while sleeping in noisy hotels?


Now, you try all these things, one a week, and if you still can't control her, I promise to write her a good stiff letter and hope for good results. So much for "Sleepy Time Sal" - if only!