This paper stresses the importance of parent-child interaction in the early years as the basis of a child's intellectual development. The writer also argues that creativity is fostered in an environment where the child is emotionally secure and encouraged to take risks with new and unfamiliar ideas. Free and imaginative play is an essential requirement for free growth of cognitive and affective functioning but this must also be allied to the sensitive and unobtrusive intervention of teacher or parent which extends and encourages the child's questioning. Creative thinking demands self-confidence, an environment which promotes free thinking and acceptance of new ideas.
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