The Sixty Minute Family: An Hour To Transform Your Relationships Forever

by Rob Parsons

What can you learn in an hour? - How to find the most effective parenting style - How to save your marriage from a creeping separateness - How to make time for your family - How to discover the magic of traditions - How to get your family through the tough times - enough to transform your relationships forever. This latest book in Rob Parsons' best-selling Sixty-Minute series offers 10 life lessons for a strong family life, drawn from Rob's own experience and from his encounters with people around the world. Combining practical wisdom and accessible advice with a wide range of case studies - and an engaging style - the book addresses 10 key areas, including making time for each other, taking time to talk, encouragement, parenting styles, handling conflict, the magic of traditions, appreciating the extended family and seizing the moment.

Genres: Parenting, Christian

128 pages, Paperback

First published February 19, 2010

About the author

Rob Parsons OBE is an international speaker on family issues and the author of many best-sellers including The Heart of Success and The 60-Minute Father. Over half a million people have attended his live seminars.

He is the founding chairman of Care for the Family.

Reviews

[Fahim]

"هیچ رابطه ای وجود ندارد که یک روز نیاز به (عشق ورزیدن در ماه ژانویه) نداشته باشد. عشق ورزیدن نه (به دلیلِ...) بلکه (با وجودِ...)"
عشق _حداقل برای مدتی_با قلب ادامه پیدا نمی کند، بلکه با خواست و اراده پیش می رود...

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شما نمی توانید خانواده ی خود را همیشه دور هم داشته باشید، اگر پیش شرط شما این باشد که شماو همسرتان (همیشه) باید عاشق یکدیگر باشید.
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خیانت چنان شکاف بزرگی در اعتماد ایجاد می کند که حتی با برگشت دوباره ی عشق، کلی زمان می برد تا اعتماد دوباره برگردد.
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نوه ها پاداشی هستند که خداوند به شما داده به خاطر آنکه بچه هایتان را نکشته اید!
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زندگی بدون تلاش برای برنده شدنِ اُسکارِ تربیتِ فرزند، به اندازه ی کافی سخت هست...
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هر رابطه ای یک مصالحه استـ ما نمی توانیم همه چیز را داشته باشیم.
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خیانت کردن محشر است! اما برای مدتی کوتاه...

[S.C. Skillman]

Rob Parsons has beguiled,moved,and doubled me up in laughter several times on this subject, both in person as an inspirational speaker, and in writing. Now he has again written on a topic that should be closely studied by policy-makers. If you're a parent, and you'd sooner your child achieved their critical acclaim and professional success in a couple of decades time by some other means than publishing their misery memoir, Rob Parsons sets it out in very simple,clear terms in this book. One of his answers is as simple as a father spending ordinary time with his child - just "being there". And behind that is a truth: "relationships matter more than money". I expect many more books will be written in more complex terms, saying the same thing. Within classic story structure, what is the one most familiar trope a writer can always rely on? It's the Dysfunctional Parent/Child relationship. The Disney story writers trade on it, the psychiatrists and counsellors make their living from it; the radio interviewers and TV chat show hosts recognise it as their most fruitful area of analysis.Reading what Parsons has to say now (the book was published in 2010)I feel his stance has toughened since I first heard him on this subject. This book gives strong clues to the powerful influence of physically and emotionally absent parents upon the society we live in. But to end on an uplifting note, it may be, as Parsons says, that "most of us are doing a much better job of parenting than we think - and it normally turns out better than we dared hope".

[Alison Mostyn]

A few useful suggestions. But was completely turned off the book when it became clear there was a religious focus. Also suggesting couples stay together to maintain "family" above all else seemed a little odd to me.

[Atiyeh]

Rob Parsons, a renowned speaker and founder of Care for the Family, delivers a heartfelt and practical guide to nurturing stronger, healthier family relationships in *The Sixty Minute Family*. True to its title, the book is concise yet impactful, aiming to transform how we view and engage with our loved ones—all within an hour of reading.

The strength of this book lies in its down-to-earth wisdom and relatable anecdotes. Parsons doesn't offer lofty, idealistic solutions; instead, he shares stories and advice that are accessible and immediately applicable to real-life family dynamics. Whether it’s about improving communication with your children, rekindling your marriage, or handling conflict with grace, each chapter offers a nugget of insight that can be digested quickly and reflected on deeply.

One of the book’s standout qualities is its tone—warm, non-judgmental, and often humorous. Parsons encourages readers not to strive for perfection but to be present, to listen better, and to build a foundation of love and respect. The book doesn’t claim to have all the answers, but it does remind us that small changes can lead to big results in the long term.

While some readers might wish for more depth or step-by-step strategies, the book serves its purpose as a quick, inspiring read that can be revisited when you need a reminder of what really matters.

Verdict:

*The Sixty Minute Family* is ideal for busy parents, couples, or anyone looking to reflect on and improve their family life. It’s a small book with a big heart—perfect for a lunch break read that just might change your perspective forever.

[Cliff Watt]

The promise of 'invaluable advice' or 'this book will change your life', so frequently made in the dust jackets and reviews of 'self help' books, is so very rarely borne out by the actual contents. But this book delivers on those promises - Big time!

Parsons down to earth, real life approach, truly rooted in talking to thousands of families over twenty years as a befriender and counsellor, is compelling and inspirational. I hung on every word and genuinely feel differently about my family, and my responsibility to protect it now I've finished the book.

The '60' minute bit simply means that, if you're quick, you could read all 10 life lessons in the book in about an hour but trust me, you'll want to re-read and properly absorb every word.

I can't recommend this book highly enough, it's essential reading for any family member, particularly for those having problems. But those who are just starting their 'family life' properly who, like me, have very young children will also learn how to take action now to avoid many of the pitfalls that can ultimately lead to disharmony at best, and family breakup at worst.

I must also say that although the book isn't overtly written for husbands and fathers, it should be compulsory reading for all us guys. As should parsons other bestseller 'the sixth minute father'.

Get a copy of both right now and lock yourself in a room until you've read them, I guarantee it will be the best 2 hour investment you will ever make in your life!

[Holly (2 Kids and Tired)]

I'm always on the lookout for books that will inspire me to be a better parent. I really like it when those books are short and easily read, rather than long-winded tomes of lectures. This little gem is perfect. It's short and easily read. It's sensible and perfect for those everyday questions or issues.

There are 10 short chapters, or Life Lessons, and at the end of each chapter is a list called, Action Points. These Action Points are the salient, key thoughts and concrete things you can do right now, to become a better parent or better family.

This is one book that I will be rereading. Rob also has a great website devoted to strengthening families called Care for the Family. I enjoy the e-family newsletter.

[Alex]

I took away a couple of things from this book but I wouldn't say it is going to transform our family life- that would be quite a feat, especially with a book that takes an hour to read. I particularly liked the idea of keeping out children's emotional tanks full. There is probably a little something for the majority of people to be found in this book so I would say that it's worth a read.

[Em]

I so enjoyed this! What a fabulous resource to turn to time and time again! I loved the simple approach, I could relate and found wisdom in his very simple principles. This is a very easy read, it reminded me that the time with these gorgeous children of mine as little people is almost gone in the blink of an eye. I will use some of these ideas to help bolster our family. Highly recommended.

[Jonathan]

There's still gold to be found in those Welsh hills. Really challenging read and greatly appreciated

[Sarah]

Some really helpful tips for family life, and for things to introduce to improve relationships and quality of time spent together.