Video Interaction Guidance
Seeing the moments that already shine.
Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) is a gentle, strengths-based approach that helps parents, carers and teachers across London build warm, attuned relationships with the children they care for.
What is VIG?
VIG uses short video clips of everyday interactions to help adults notice what is already working well in their relationship with a child. Rather than focusing on problems, we zoom in on the small, positive moments of connection — a shared smile, a pause that lets a child take a turn, a moment of comfort — and think together about how to have more of them.
The approach is built on the idea that children thrive through attuned interactions: responsive, back-and-forth exchanges in which a child feels seen, heard and understood. These are the building blocks of secure relationships, early communication and language, and emotional wellbeing.
VIG is something we do with you, not to you. You set the goal, you are the expert on your child, and the process is always collaborative and respectful.
As an accredited VIG practitioner, I regularly use VIG with families, early years settings and schools, and it is one of my favourite parts of my work.
Who can VIG help?
- Parents and carers who would like to feel more connected with their child
- Babies, toddlers and young children developing early play, communication and language skills
- Families where relationships feel strained, or after a difficult experience such as a separation
- Children who are adopted, fostered or looked after, and the adults caring for them
- Teachers and teaching assistants who want to strengthen relationships and communication in the classroom
- Children with social communication differences, including autistic children
The principles of attunement
What we look for in the film
Being attentive
Looking interested, turning towards the child and noticing what they are doing.
Encouraging initiatives
Waiting, following the child’s lead and leaving space for them to start an interaction.
Receiving initiatives
Showing that you have heard and seen them — through a smile, a nod, words or a gesture.
Taking turns
Building back-and-forth “conversations”, with or without words, so the child feels like a partner.
Guiding
Scaffolding, extending and gently guiding the child’s learning and thinking.
Deepening the conversation
Sharing ideas and feelings, and working through differences together.
The process
How does VIG work?
Getting to know you
We meet (usually online) to talk about what is going well, what feels hard and what you would like to change. Together we set a helping question, such as “How can I help my child to settle at bedtime?”
Filming
I film a short clip — often just 10 minutes — of you and your child (or you and your class) doing something ordinary together, such as playing, reading or a mealtime.
Editing
I carefully edit the film to pick out brief moments where things are going well: the moments of connection that are already there.
Shared review
We watch the clips together. You are the expert on your child, and we reflect on what you notice, what you were doing and how your child responded.
Next cycle & final review
Most people complete around three cycles. At the end we look back at the journey together and plan next steps.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does it matter if I don’t like being filmed?
That is a really common worry, and it is completely understandable. Most people feel a little self-conscious at first, but the clips we watch together only ever focus on what is going well, so the experience tends to feel affirming rather than critical. You will always be in control of when and what we film.
What happens to the video recordings?
Films are stored securely and used only for our work together. They are not shared with anyone else without your written permission, and are deleted at the end of the intervention unless we agree otherwise.
Is VIG evidence-based?
Yes. VIG is grounded in research on attunement and the early interactions between babies and their caregivers, and it has a growing evidence base for improving communication and relationships. Video feedback interventions are recommended by NICE for supporting parents and carers of children with attachment difficulties. Practitioners are trained and accredited through the Association for Video Interaction Guidance UK (AVIGuk).
Can VIG be done in school?
Yes. VIG works really well in schools and early years settings, either to support the relationship between a member of staff and a particular child, or to help staff develop their attuned interactions with a whole class or group.
Looking for costs? See VIG prices →
Curious about VIG?
Please get in touch today for an informal chat about whether Video Interaction Guidance could help you and your child or class.