What is VIG?

Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) is a gentle, strengths-based approach that supports parents and carers to build more positive, connected relationships with their children. It focuses on what is already going well in everyday interactions — those small but powerful moments of connection — and helps to highlight and build on them.

A trained VIG practitioner films short clips of everyday parent–child interactions, such as playing, getting ready, or sharing a routine activity. The practitioner then selects a few clips that show moments of attunement, warmth, or responsiveness. These clips are reviewed with the parent in a relaxed, supportive session, offering the opportunity to reflect on what worked well, how the child responded, and how these moments can be built upon.

VIG is used across many settings — including children's centres, family support services, health and early years provision — as a way to strengthen relationships, boost confidence, and support emotional wellbeing. It is a respectful and collaborative approach that helps build emotional safety and trust.

Who is VIG for?

At Find A Way, VIG is currently offered to parents and carers of young children, particularly in the early years. It is well suited to those who may benefit from support in building or strengthening their connection with their child. VIG can be particularly helpful when:

• The parent–child relationship feels strained, distant or ‘stuck'
• A parent is feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or emotionally disconnected
• Communication between parent and child is difficult or easily misunderstood
• A relationship is being rebuilt following separation, family stress or safeguarding concerns
• A child is showing early signs of emotional or behavioural challenges
• A parent is experiencing difficulty bonding or connecting with their child
• The family is navigating developmental concerns or awaiting assessment
• There has been involvement from services (e.g. Early Help, social care), and relational support is needed

VIG can be used preventatively or as part of a wider package of support. It complements trauma-informed and attachment-focused work and aligns well with early intervention approaches.

How does VIG work?

VIG typically takes place over three to four cycles, each involving the following steps:

1. Initial Meeting

The practitioner meets with the parent or carer to discuss their hopes and goals. Together, they agree a helping question to guide the process, such as:

“What would you like to be happening between you and your child?”

This helps to keep the work focused on what matters most to the parent.

2. Video Recording

A short video (around 10–15 minutes) is taken of the parent and child during a familiar activity — such as playtime, mealtime, or getting ready. The filming takes place in a comfortable, natural setting (usually the home or a community space).

3. Shared Review

The practitioner selects a few short clips that show moments of positive connection and emotional responsiveness. In a follow-up session, these clips are watched and discussed with the parent using gentle, reflective questions such as:

• What did you notice going well?
• How did your child respond to you here?
• What helped that moment work?

These reflections help parents recognise their own strengths and discover small, achievable steps for deepening connection.

What impact can VIG have?

Parents who take part in VIG often report that they:

• Feel more confident and connected in their relationship with their child
• Gain insight into their child's communication and emotional needs
• Notice and celebrate more positive moments day to day
• Experience fewer struggles around communication, routines, or behaviour
• Enjoy their time with their child more and feel less overwhelmed

In the longer term, VIG can support:

• Stronger attachment and emotional security between parent and child
• Improved emotional regulation and relational repair after stress or trauma
• Enhanced language and communication development in the early years
• A stronger foundation for school readiness — including confidence, attention, and curiosity
• Increased parental resilience during periods of change or challenge
• Reduced need for more intensive services through early relational support

Professionals consistently report that VIG creates meaningful shifts in family relationships and can be a turning point in wider support plans. It is especially effective when used alongside other wraparound interventions.

Interested in VIG?

Referrals to VIG at Find A Way can be made by professionals working with families, including family support workers, health visitors, social workers, school staff, and other voluntary or community organisations. Families can also self-refer.

Informal consultations are available to help determine whether VIG is the right fit for a particular family.

Please contact us to request a referral form, discuss a specific family, or find out more about how VIG can complement your work.