The present research was conducted to study the perception of parents regarding the importance of divergent thinking skills for children. The sample for the present study comprised 200 Parents (100 Mothers and 100 Fathers) of 200 children who were categorized as HP (High Performer) and LP (Low Performer) on the basis of their performance on Divergent Production Ability Test (DPAT). A Self devised Parental Perception Questionnaire was used to assess the views of parents regarding divergent thinking ability of children. The results of the study revealed that almost all the sample parents provided freedom of expression to their children. Statistically, significant differences were seen between parents of HP and LP children with respect to freedom of expression to children while insignificant differences were noticed among mothers and fathers on this aspect of divergent thinking. Statistically, a significant difference was also noticed among parents of HP and LP children with regard to acceptance of ideas while the insignificant difference was seen between mothers and fathers on this component of divergent thinking. Results also showed that majority of parents did not participate in brainstorming and storytelling activities while most of the parents sometimes involved in wordplay and sharing experiences activities with their children. The study has implications for children, parents, teachers and professionals in the field of child development and can be used to provide inputs for enhancement of divergent thinking skills among children.
