💬 Lost in Translation? Why Communication Matters More Than Ever for Our Kids
- Marie Russell
- Jun 2
- 5 min read
As a school guidance counsellor, I spend my days supporting teenagers through the twists and turns of growing up — friendships, pressure, identity, exams, and everything in between. As a mum of two boys — one who’s 18 and one who’s 8 — I also see the real-life version of these challenges play out around the dinner table.
There’s one skill at the heart of it all: communication.
And right now, that skill is both more important and more at risk than ever.
🧠 Why Communication Still Matters
In a world full of fast-paced messaging, filters, and 10-second videos, the ability to truly connect — to speak up, listen, and be heard — remains one of the most vital tools for a young person’s wellbeing and growth.
As both a parent and a professional, I see daily how strong communication:
Helps young people understand themselves
Builds empathy and deeper friendships
Encourages problem-solving and resilience
Supports leadership, self-advocacy, and emotional regulation
These aren’t just “soft skills.” They’re life skills. And in school, I see every day how those who develop them tend to thrive more confidently, even in the tough moments.
📱 Technology: The Double-Edged Sword
Let’s be honest — technology isn’t going anywhere. It’s a central part of how young people connect. My 8-year-old is already a (wanna-be) YouTube expert, and my 18-year-old has voice note conversations that sound like podcast episodes.
But while screens connect us in many ways, I also see the downside:
More messaging, less face-to-face conversation
Misunderstandings in tone and intent
Pressure to respond instantly (apparently you Can't leave anyone 'hanging'!?)
Distraction from real-time interaction and reflection
So the goal isn’t to remove tech — it’s to re-balance the space it takes up in our children’s communication landscape.
🏫 The Role of Schools & Programmes That Work
Thankfully, we’re not tackling this alone. Schools and youth organisations have a powerful part to play — and I’ve seen firsthand how the right programmes can transform young people’s confidence and voice. Some I have been fortunate enough to experience first hand (and I am sure there are others) are:
💬 LIFT (Leading Ireland’s Future Together) Schools Programme
This programme brings core values like respect, empathy, and communication into everyday school life. I’ve seen students step into roles of leadership and self-awareness after just a few weeks of the reflective group sessions. LIFT is practical, accessible, and genuinely helps embed values that fuel better conversations and character development.
📚 Narrative 4
This global empathy-through-storytelling programme has been a game-changer in my school. When students swap personal stories in a safe, structured setting, something shifts. They walk away seeing the world — and each other — with new eyes. It builds empathy in a way no worksheet can.
🌱 Foróige Leadership for Life
For older students, this structured leadership programme develops essential communication, goal-setting, and self-awareness skills. I’ve watched even quiet teens grow into mentors and decision-makers through its stages. It gives them the language and confidence to lead, not just academically, but socially and emotionally.
👪 What Can Families Do?
In the midst of all this, families remain the first — and often most consistent — influence on a young person’s communication habits. Here are some simple but effective strategies that work in my home and in the homes of families I work with:
1. Model Open Dialogue
Use everyday moments to show how to talk about feelings, handle conflict, and admit when you’re unsure or have made a mistake.
2. Use Technology Together
Watch, scroll, or listen together — then chat about it. This creates conversation instead of isolation.
3. Create No-Pressure Talk Time
The car, bedtime, or a shared snack can open the door to casual, honest chats.
4. Help Name Emotions
Younger kids especially need help labelling what they feel. “You look frustrated — do you want to tell me about it?”
🧭 Final Thoughts
Good communication doesn’t just happen. It’s taught, encouraged, and nurtured — by parents, teachers, and communities working together.
With the help of programmes like LIFT, Narrative 4, and Foróige (among others), we’re giving young people the tools not just to talk, but to connect, empathise, lead and be self-compassionate.
Let’s keep offering safe spaces and strong examples. Let’s keep listening — even when they pretend they’re not talking. Never forget that every conversation we model or encourage is a building block in their resilience, relationships, and future.
From one parent (and guidance counsellor) to another: keep the door open and the chats going. It matters.
🎧 Podcasts for Families to Listen to Together
🗣️ 1. “Imagine This” (ABC Kids)
Best for: Ages 7–12
Why it’s great: Tackles big questions (like “Why do we cry?” or “What is fairness?”) in a fun and thoughtful way. Great for sparking deeper family conversations.
Where: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or ABC Kids Listen app
💡 2. “The Moth” (Selected Family-Friendly Episodes)
Best for: Teens and adults
Why it’s great: True, personal stories that often explore empathy, overcoming struggles, or surprising life lessons. Check episode content first — many are perfect for young adults.
Where: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or themoth.org
👂 3. “Brains On!”
Best for: Curious minds aged 8–14
Why it’s great: Science and emotions explained in a super engaging way — episodes like “Why Do We Yawn?” or “How Do We Hear?” give jumping-off points for emotional literacy, too.
Where: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or brainson.org
🤝 4. “Circle Round” (NPR)
Best for: Ages 6–12
Why it’s great: Folktales from around the world that teach values like empathy, kindness, and listening. Great wind-down listening.
Where: NPR One, Spotify, or npr.org
🎬 Documentaries to Watch as a Family
🧠 1. “The Social Dilemma” (Netflix)
Best for: Ages 12+ (parental guidance recommended)
Why it’s great: Unpacks how social media influences behaviour, attention, and mental health. Fantastic for starting honest conversations about screen time and tech use.
Discussion idea: How can we set healthier tech habits as a family?
🤗 2. “Inside Out” (Disney+/Family Movie)
Best for: Ages 8+
Why it’s great: An animated but deeply insightful movie about emotions, memory, and mental wellbeing. Ideal for all ages.
Follow-up idea: Use the movie to name feelings in real life — “Was that an ‘Anger’ moment or a ‘Sadness’ moment?”
📖 3. “Kindness Is Contagious”
Best for: 10+ (Available to rent or buy online)
Why it’s great: A feel-good documentary exploring how kindness impacts our lives and spreads through communities.
Follow-up idea: Create a “kindness challenge” week at home.
🧬 4. “The Mind, Explained” (Netflix, selected episodes)
Best for: 13+
Why it’s great: Bite-sized episodes (20 min) about how the brain processes emotions, stress, memory, and sleep. The "Anxiety" and "Mindfulness" episodes are especially relevant.
Note: Check content in advance — not all episodes are family-appropriate.
🧭 Bonus: Combine with a Reflection Prompt
After watching/listening, try:
“What stood out to you the most?”
“What surprised you?”
“Would you want to try something different because of this?”
— A Mum, Counsellor & Proud Listener
📚 References & Recommended Resources
🏫 Programmes Mentioned
LIFT Ireland (Leading Ireland’s Future Together)Website: https://liftireland.ie
Narrative 4 IrelandWebsite: https://narrative4.ie
Foróige Leadership for Life ProgrammeWebsite: https://www.foroige.ie/our-work/youth-leadership
🎧 Podcasts
“Imagine This” – ABC Kids ListenWebsite: https://www.abc.net.au/kidslisten/imagine-this/
“The Moth”Website: https://themoth.org
“Brains On!” – American Public MediaWebsite: https://www.brainson.org
“Circle Round” – NPRWebsite: https://www.npr.org/sections/circleround/
🎬 Documentaries & Films
“The Social Dilemma” (2020)Available on: NetflixProduction: Exposure LabsWebsite: https://www.thesocialdilemma.com
“Inside Out” (2015)Available on: Disney+Production: Pixar Animation Studios / Walt Disney Pictures
“Kindness Is Contagious” (2014)Directed by: David GazAvailable on: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TVWebsite: https://www.kindness-is-contagious.com
“The Mind, Explained” – Netflix Series (Selected Episodes)Narrated by: Emma StoneAvailable on: NetflixProduction: Vox Media
To get in touch by DM or:
📞 0868773289
Marie
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