Kids Who Feel Better, Do Better: Using the 8 Powers of Development to Help Kids Thrive

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.

Donovan Taylor Hall is an educator, motivational speaker, consultant, content creator, and youth advocate with a background in positive youth development, educational psycho­logy, and entrepreneurship. His work has been featured on The Today Show and major podcasts including Work in Progress with Sophia Bush, What the Fundraising, and On1 with Angela Rye.

Margot C. Hall, Ed.S., M.Ed., is a veteran educator with over 25 years’ experience as a classroom teacher, lead teacher, a teacher of English for Speakers of Other Languages, and district supervisor in Virginia and Florida schools. A U.S. Army veteran who served as a public affairs officer, she earned her Ed.S. in educational leadership from Old Dominion University and holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction.