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In this episode of AHA Moments with Kendra, Kendra shares how one of the most important parts of Building All Children’s ministry began with a simple desire to help families understand the power of PLAY!

As BAC grew beyond its first office, Kendra found herself balancing new opportunities, new challenges, and a vision that kept bringing her back to something simple: play matters. That vision became the foundation for Play & BUILDgroups, designed to give parents practical, developmentally appropriate ways to play, connect, and support their children at home.

What started as a weekly gathering has become a core part of BAC’s ministry, helping us connect with families and make an impact that reaches far beyond the playgroup itself.

Last year alone, BAC served nearly 2,000 children through Play & BUILDgroups!

Tune in to hear the story behind the groups, why purposeful play matters, and how something as simple as playing together can make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families.

And if you haven't joined us yet, this is your invitation! Come play, learn, and BUILD with us this month. 💛

https://buildingallchildren.org/events

For more Aha Moments visit https://buildingallchildren.org/podcast

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Starting first grade is a big transition! Anna Gundy, a public school teacher with 13 years of experience—including nine years teaching first grade—shares what parents can expect as their child makes the jump from kindergarten.

First grade brings more independence and bigger expectations. Children may have their own desk, manage their supplies, complete independent work, and follow classroom routines. Anna says it can take about a month for children to fully adjust to these new expectations.

Academically, first graders are working toward becoming fluent readers, recognizing numbers through 100, and strengthening addition and subtraction skills. But academic readiness isn't the only piece of the puzzle.

Parents can help children prepare for first grade by practicing:

• Following directions and routines
• Active listening and paying attention
• Completing simple tasks independently
• Recognizing letters and numbers
• Reading and practicing math facts
• Social skills through role-play
• Identifying emotions and practicing self-regulation

Anna also recommends creating a consistent routine at home. It doesn't have to look the same for every family, find what works for you and your child, but remember that consistency is key!

Positive reinforcement, such as sticker charts, can also help children build new habits. The important thing is finding what motivates your specific child.

Finally, be mindful of the pressure we put on children. Anxiety can affect learning, and our words matter. Give children opportunities to make mistakes, learn how to manage their emotions, and build confidence.

Your child doesn't have to know everything before starting first grade but with consistency, encouragement, and opportunities to practice independence, they can enter the classroom ready to learn and grow!

For more Aha Moments visit https://buildingallchildren.org/podcast

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In Part 9 of AHA Moments with Kendra, Kendra shares another powerful example of God's faithfulness and provision throughout the journey of Building All Children.

After being invited to speak at a Sunday school class, Kendra was asked to choose one of the names of God and share what it meant to her. Without hesitation, she chose Provider, reflecting on the countless ways she had witnessed God faithfully provide throughout her life and the early days of BAC.

What happened after she shared that message was something she never expected. A simple conversation led to an incredible gift one that would become an important part of Building All Children's ministry and a reminder that God often provides beyond what we could ask or imagine.

What was it? You'll have to listen to hear the full story!

For more Aha Moments visit https://buildingallchildren.org/podcast

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Amber Joy is back for Part 2 of our conversation, diving deeper into what it truly means to live a life that flourishes.

As a wife, mom, author, and speaker, Amber understands that spending time with God doesn't always look picture-perfect. She shares how motherhood changed her quiet time, leading her to create an "emergency prayer tote" she could grab during nap time. That simple act of making time with God accessible became the inspiration behind her Fruity Journals, bite-sized devotionals based on the Fruits of the Spirit, designed to help busy women grow in their faith one moment at a time!

Whether you're in a season of exhaustion, longing for a deeper relationship with God, or simply looking for practical encouragement, this conversation is full of wisdom, grace, and hope.

For more Aha Moments visit https://buildingallchildren.org/podcast

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In Part 8 of AHA Moments with Kendra, Kendra shares one of her favorite stories from the early days of Building All Children, a story that reminds us how God often provides in ways we never expect!

Following one of BAC's early benefit dinners, a conversation with a new supporter would lead to an incredible opportunity that would forever change the future of the ministry. Kendra reflects on the faith it took to step into the unknown, the generosity of others who came alongside the mission, and how one simple office space became the foundation for serving countless children and families.

As she looks back on this season, Kendra shares how every answered prayer, every act of generosity, and every open door pointed to God's faithfulness. This episode is a powerful reminder that when we are faithful with what we've been given, God often provides exactly what we need—sometimes in ways we could never have imagined.

If you've ever questioned whether you're ready to take the next step or wondered how God will provide, this episode is sure to encourage your heart.

For more Aha Moments visit https://buildingallchildren.org/podcast

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In today’s episode, Kendra is joined by author and Licensed Professional Counselor, Amber Joy Thaxton, for an honest and encouraging conversation about what it means to create joy for today and hope for tomorrow especially for families feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, and burnout.

Together, they explore the growing struggle many adults and families face when anxiety begins to take over daily life. Amber offers a refreshing perspective, reminding listeners that anxiety itself is not inherently bad. In fact, anxiety is our body’s protective response to biological danger, it exists for a reason! The challenge comes when our minds begin perceiving everyday situations as threats, leaving us feeling constantly overwhelmed or stuck in survival mode.

Kendra and Amber also discuss the balance between self-care and true personal wellness. In a world that often defines self-care as quick comforts or temporary escapes, Amber shares a deeper perspective: true self-care isn’t simply a manicure or a day off—it’s caring for the whole person. That means prioritizing sleep, healthy rhythms, physical movement, emotional wellness, and spiritual connection.

This episode is a reminder that hope is possible, joy can be cultivated, and sometimes the first step forward is simply slowing down and returning to what matters most.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or stretched thin, this conversation is for you. 💛

For more Aha Moments visit https://buildingallchildren.org/podcast

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What happens when someone challenges you to think bigger than you ever imagined? In Part 7 of AHA Moments with Kendra, Kendra shares about BAC’s very first church partnership, and a challenge from her cousin Justin to dream and pray BIG. Those prayers led to the creation of the very first BAC benefit dinner fundraiser.

And in true God-fashion… doors opened in ways she never expected—including a FREE venue and FREE food for the very first event.

For more Aha Moments visit https://buildingallchildren.org/podcast

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In this heartfelt episode of Rise & BUILD Through the Unexpected, Kendra sits down with author and father Brandon Boyd to share the deeply personal journey of raising his son, Ben, who is nonverbal and has a disability.

Brandon reflects on the early days when Ben began missing developmental milestones around 9 months old and the fears that followed—the uncertainty of a diagnosis, questions about the future, and the emotional weight of not knowing what life would look like for their family. He speaks honestly about the pressure he felt to “fix” things and how, over time, he realized he was so focused on helping Ben catch up that he wasn’t fully enjoying Ben for who he was.

Together, Kendra and Brandon discuss the different ways parents often respond to challenges. While Brandon focused on solutions and progress, his wife became the steady force managing therapy appointments, schedules, and the day-to-day rhythms that helped their family move forward. Their story highlights the importance of partnership, grace, and learning how to navigate parenting together—even when processing things differently.

The conversation also touches on the financial realities many families face while raising a child with special needs, the importance of connecting with a caseworker early, and how resources like ministry support and SoonerCare helped provide stability during difficult seasons.

Brandon also shares about their younger son, Ethan, and the ways growing up alongside Ben shaped him into a patient, empathetic, and compassionate young man. From balancing the unique needs of two very different children to learning how to “divide and conquer” as parents, this episode offers an honest look into the beauty and challenges of family life.

Most importantly, Brandon opens up about protecting your marriage while raising a child with disabilities, finding support in community, and recognizing that while the journey may not be easy, families do not have to walk it alone.

This episode is a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t always look the way we imagined—and sometimes the greatest transformation happens when we stop trying to change our children and start fully delighting in who they already are.

🌐 Learn more about Brandon’s story and resources here:
Delighting in Ben

For more Aha Moments visit https://buildingallchildren.org/podcast