Positive relationships in early childhood education lay an important foundation for future relationship experiences and the developmental trajectories of children. Through their contact and interaction with the children, educational professionals play a special role in this process. The new special issue of 'kindergarten heute' explains the various important aspects of this topic: discovering and utilizing opportunities for conversation in everyday life, (self-)observation and (self-)reflection of interaction behavior, as well as methods of conversation management. It provides professional foundations and concrete practical experiences, along with methodological tips for conducting video-supported observation and reflection. The valuable impulses and suggestions serve as a starting point for educators on a rewarding journey of discovery in their own educational practice.