Just a Minute

Did you know that just 1 minute can make a difference in a child's life? Whether it's a smile or being positively affirming can make a difference of a lifetime. As an educator, I have seen a lot of that, whether it's in the upper grades or the lower grades. 

A kind word or just being encouraging during the day will help that student a lot and make him more motivated to do things. 


A hug, a compliment, a word of praise . . . such things may seem inconsequential, but to a child they can make a difference! Whether you want to reach out to kids across the globe or in your own backyard, Stafford shows how building self-worth, discovering latent talent, breaking emotional barriers, and more can transform little ones' lives.

How long does it take to make a difference in the life of a child?

For good or for ill, individual moments in a young person's life can make all the difference in their future. It may be something said or done by an adult who hardly thinks about it: a hug, a compliment, an intriguing question, a sincere applause. But in that moment, the child discovers who they are, what is important to them, why they matter, and sometimes even what their destiny will be. Most of us want to help encourage and build into this next generation, most of us see the need all around, but we just have no idea where to begin.


Now, with this book, you know where to begin and you know that it only takes Just a Minute. Follow along as Dr. Wess Stafford, president of Compassion International, shares stories and experiences to introduce you to the difference you can actually make anywhere on the spectrum of child

Stafford shares the stories of well-recognized and unknown people alike to refute the old adage “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me,” especially for the young minds of children. He gives simple tips and examples of how anyone can positively impact a child in just a moment and how all of us are equipped to do it.

Dr. Wess Stafford is an internationally recognized advocate for children. Since 1977 he has worked with Compassion International and has served as President since 1993. He hosts a national radio program, Speak Up with Compassion®. Wess lives on a small ranch near Colorado Springs, Colorado, with his wife Donna. They are the parents of two daughters, Jenny and Katie. Wess' own life experiences have uniquely prepared him for his role. He often says, “Everything I really need to know to lead a multinational organization I learned from the poor, growing up in an African Village.”