I could get them to answer personally if you want, but from where I'm standing the most important thing was the support. I was kind of a "problem child" insofar as I was always bored with school, never particularly happy, etc., but they always did everything they could to help and support me. Also music. Music was crucial.
She would like you to elaborate on the "music" aspect. TIA.
I play music. I listen to music. I write music (occasionally). This is all my parents' fault - my mom's a choir director and my dad plays a few folk instruments, so there was always music around. Eventually it got in my bones. I took piano from grades 1-6 (and jazz piano in 7) and drums basically since sophomore year. And having such an innate creative outlet was huge--I fuckin love music.