In this fast-paced world there is a lot of rushing and talking and explaining.  As caregivers for young children we want to build vocabulary and understanding, but we also need to give children time to think and develop their inner voice.
It’s like the difference between Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers. They are both excellent educational children’s shows, but Mr. Rogers Neighborhood was designed to give young children time to think and answer questions, which is a step beyond being entertained. It can seem like too slow a pace to older children and adults.
Watch for listening opportunities. Listening games can be fun and a great way to slow down and focus. Listen for bird sounds outside, and then keep listening until your child spots the bird making the sound. Sitting quietly in our home and trying to identify different sounds one evening led my family on a tiptoeing trek to the kitchen. We discovered that when everything else is quiet you could hear the gentle hum of the refrigerator throughout the house. We never noticed that before.
You may notice at quiet play times your child talks or even narrates some of the play. This is an important stage in developing the inner voice that eventually becomes internalized. Make sure your child has the time and quiet on a regular basis to calmly continue this important growth.