Numerous social changes have affected present understanding of the child and childhood, the family and the importance of the early educational and care institution. The process of a child's growing up becomes more intense and abounds in many information that is constantly advancing. The modern way of life brings a considerable number of diverse mass media that appear in the earliest days of a child’s life which requires awareness of parents, preschool teachers and all those involved in the upbringing of the child. The aim of this study is to describe the significance of childhood and compare the traditional and modern understanding of the child, parenthood and the profession of preschool teacher, emphasizing the continuous changes and challenges of the modern way of life. For these reasons, this paper discusses the position of the child in some historical periods and their connection with the further understanding of the importance of institutional early and preschool education as well as the professional education of educators. The progress and development of educational institutions and the profession of preschool teachers took place in conjunction with the growing awareness of the child as an active, creative and competent being. Therefore, the text of this paper compares traditional beliefs and understandings about the child and childhood with the new paradigms of modern childhood, with an emphasis on the child's competencies. Furthermore, the importance of authority, responsibility, leadership and empathy that allows the harmonious functioning of the family community and overcoming some of life's difficulties will be discussed. The influence of the mass media in the earliest days of a child's life is especially emphasized. In addition to the above, the competencies of parents are discussed in order to protect children from some content, but also to find the usefulness and positive influences of the media on the child. In conclusion, the importance of partnerships between families and early educational and care institutions is emphasized, which through mutual participation and interaction can contribute to better development and upbringing of the child. From all the above, there is a need to question the perspective of the preschool teacher and his understanding of modern childhood.