FEATURES OF MENTAL DEVELOPMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

This article provides a scientific and psychological analysis of the mental and psychological development characteristics of children during early childhood (from 1 to 3 years old). It highlights object-tool activity as the leading activity of this period, rapid speech development, visual-action thinking, and the formation of the "Self" concept. Furthermore, the causes, manifestations, and positive psychological neoplasms of the crucial turning point at this stage — the "3-year crisis" — are analyzed, alongside practical recommendations for educators and parents.