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 commit-ted 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