The current state of the Russian society, changing social structure, current economic situation, and the differentiation of lifestyles of various social groups determine the emergence of an increasingly growing interest to the situation of children, the peculiarities of the process of socialization, the contents of childhood, and trends of its change. So far, these changes are not reflected in target reforms of the social and economic policy of the state, at the same time, they are noticeable in demographic issues and educational practice. According to the author, the study of specific character of childhood development, its implementation in the processes of education and upbringing of children, and development of a full-fledged childhood space become particularly important these days. The article presents an analytical review of the problems of childhood.