JTT, the big earphones with the "donut" around the ear are probably the best for that type of situation. Since they fit over the ear instead of in it, they probably wouldn't put up as much resistance to being yanked off.

As for CD players, I don't know of any that are necessarily any sturdier than others. However, if you want to send me a snail mail address, I've got a couple I'd be willing to give you for her. One's an actual Sony, about ten years old, but it worked fine the last I used it. The other's an RCA that plays MP3's as well. Both of them have AC adapters and the Sony has a car kit as well.

If you want, send me email at Ivan Bradley's Email.