Chances are you’ve heard of “colicky” babies or may even have a child who’s been diagnosed with “colic.” It’s important to understand though, that the term colic has been used as a catch-all term for when doctors don’t know why an otherwise healthy newborn is inconsolable for much of the day or night. Colic is a symptom. It is not an acceptable diagnosis.

When I taught Kindergarten, we referred to the afternoon period after lunch as “rest time.” My little cutie 4 and 5-year-olds would grab a blanky and pillow plus their little bin of books and find a cozy spot. I’d turn the lights down and play soft classical music. About 99% of them fell asleep even though they SWORE they weren’t sleeping but just “resting their eyes.”