Vital Connections: Harnessing the Power of Relationship to Impact the Lives of Young People

I've had to pleasure to watch the author, Lou Bergholz, utilize his research and understanding of Vital Connections in his work as a facilitator for a youth leadership program that I've been associated with for several years. When I found out that Lou would no longer be working with us, so that he could focus his attention on his research, I was personally disappointed. Having just finished reading the result of that research and focus, I'm glad that he made that choice.Lou's recognition that "the presence of a caring adult in the life of a young person is the most important protective factor," is a powerful observation in the importance of connection in the life of any child. His ability to distill this power of connection into simply understood principles and to illustrate them with compelling examples from his own experience, makes Vital Connections an amazingly accessible model for improved interactions with youth.Whether you work with children, have children, or simply have children in your life, Vital Connections is a must read on simple ways to improve communications, connectivity and influence in those relationships. I highly recommend it.

Unlike some other reviewers, I don't work with children professionally, but I do have two young children. While the author's experiences with children in war zones and under other traumatic circumstances is a little hard to bring into my home, the lessons around connection and caring are not. As an example: when I first read the section on "Know their story", my reaction was, "Of course I know my kids' story! I was there for it! This is more relevant to counselors and professionals." As I read I realized, I know _my_ story of my kids lives, but not necessarily _their_ story. I'm now trying to hear my kids' version of what's going on, rather than validating my own. So while the book is primarily aimed at people who work with children professionally, I've certainly found it relevant for my home life. And now that I'm writing this review, I've realized that while I work with adults, these lessons are probably applicable to some degree to adults, too. Though not the "tucking them in at night" part. Anyway, a great book for anyone who interacts with kids.

This is a great book. Having taught Child Development for many years, it felt good to see so many familiar names among his inspirations. In a sense, there's nothing groundbreaking here. As Lou Bergholz points out, it's pretty simple- educators and intuitive parents and caregivers have known the secret to guiding the development and growth of the young people in their care from the beginning: Love. It just takes one person to care enough, to listen, to sometimes push, sometimes pull. To be there.What Lou does offer is a straightforward model that any teacher or mentor can immediately apply to their work with young people. There is no jargon or need to understand the work of the theorists who informed his practice. He provides great examples and clear rationale for the model.Vital Connections should be in every teacher or youth worker's bookshelf.

I have personally worked with Lou. I have witnessed his talent when dealing with young people and children. He was and still is a role model. I have always wanted to have some of his knowledge, and when I learned about his book, I did not hesitate and bought it. It is a life-changing book. I was reading it and thinking of how I can apply what I am learning with my new baby.Lou is a person with a lot of experience. You have to read this book because it is based on an experience he gained along the years traveling from a community to another. it is all there in one book.The language he uses is fun and simple. This book is a real page-turner. You will finish reading it before you realize it.

This is a must read for anyone who interacts with children! Lou's book brings forth lessons he has synthesized from decades of research and his experiences. It is brilliantly written with insightful lessons woven with powerful stories that connect and resonate for anyone who has been a child or works/worked with children. Lou brings magic to his work with children and through this brilliantly written page turner, shares with all of us, an easily accessible framework of how to create our own magic with children. I strongly recommend that anyone who works with children should read this! It should be mandated reading for anyone in a position working with kids; teachers, coaches, therapists, counselors, etc.. Thank you Lou Bergholz!

I am extremely honored and grateful to have been introduced to Lou through my corporate work. He is an incredibly special person and is doing some really amazing things. The world needs more people like Lou Bergholz!If you work with kids or want to engage better with your own children, I recommend picking up this book and giving it a read.Kindness, care, empathy, and a constructive framework for building critical relationships with young people are thoughtfully presented throughout. Engaging and fascinating stories are integrated with the practical applications, putting the content in context.

Lou has been a professional mentor and friend of mine for over four years, and after reading this book, I now know why he is so effective at helping people become better versions of themselves.Simply put, Lou understands people. He picks up on the things left unsaid and the nonverbal cues which allow him to push normal conversations into the realm of vital conversations. His book offers clear examples and practical advice for facilitating these kinds of conversations where there is a greater opportunity to make an impact.Highly recommended book for teachers and educators, parents, even managers and supervisors with an eye for junior development. This is a book for everyone!

Lou Bergholz has clear expertise in dealing with those situations where most adults want to connect with children, but feel stuck, awkward, or helpless. He digs into these uncomfortable spaces with compassion, humour, and clear guidance for all of us. At a time when the world needs more love and understanding, this book will help people to form strong bonds not just with youth, but with everyone in their lives.

A heartfelt guide to achieving meaningful interaction with young people written by a seasoned professional. Packed with many real-life situations from across the globe, this practical resource will be invaluable to anyone seeking to really connect with the children in their charge and help them to become happy and secure young adults.