Kids Who Feel Better, Do Better

Research-backed strategies for building trusted adult-youth relationships that help students thrive Drawing on youth development theory, lived experience, and years of work with young people, Kids Who Feel Better, Do Better offers practical, evidence-based approaches for building emotional safety, resilience, and meaningful connection. Through reflection exercises, relatable stories, and actionable tools, readers will learn how to support young people while also developing greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and confidence in themselves. Rather than focusing solely on behavior, the book explores what children and young adults truly need from the adults around them: empathy, consistency, trust, and authentic relationships. The authors share lessons from more than thirty years of combined experience working in education and youth development, showing how small moments of understanding and support can create lasting impact in a young person’s life. Written for educators, mentors, caregivers, coaches, youth leaders, support staff, and any adult commit­ted to helping young people thrive, this book is both a guide for supporting youth and a reminder that adults who continue growing themselves are often the ones who make the biggest difference. “I couldn’t think of better timing for this refreshingly honest, hopeful, and resourceful book. Grounded in empathy, the authors’ true caring and commitment to the well-being of children shines through on every page. This book isn’t just for those who work with children and young adults—it’s also for all of us to better understand the children we once were.” —Deesha Dyer, former White House Social Secretary, Obama Administration, and author of the award-winning book Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble Strategies and tips for trusted adults to understand and support children and young adults in building resilience, confidence, and healthy self-care In Kids Who Feel Better, Do Better, authors Donovan Taylor Hall and Margot C. Hall, M.Ed., Ed.S. with a proven, combined track record of over thirty years of experience in education and youth development; explain, clarify, and offer actionable strategies, practical approaches and relatable anecdotes for any adult working or interacting with children and young adults. Based on Donovan’s track record as a teacher, youth advocate and beloved public speaker and Margot’s extensive research, classroom and education administration experience; this book provides the reader with a primer on youth development theories, as well as personal insights and proven strategies to strengthen resiliency, promote positive trusted adult-youth relationships and develop skills that enable young people to show up for themselves. This book empowers trusted adults, whatever their role in the lives of children and young people, to create environments where these young people feel valued, supported and empowered. Throughout, Taylor Hall demonstrates how to foster a classroom culture built on empathy, trust, and mutual respect. Readers will discover how to: Develop stronger, more meaningful trusted adult-youth connections Implement evidence-based strategies to enhance youth wellbeing Provide strategies, easily implemented activities and relatable anecdotes that make this book easy to read and use Prioritize self-care and build resilience for both them and the youth with whom they interact Kids Who Feel Better, Do Better earns a well-deserved spot on the bookshelves of adults seeking to help young people feel valued and navigate their lives as they learn to become their best selves.

Pages: 224, Edition: 1, Paperback, Jossey-Bass