Many moms, dads, and other family members join Facebook as a way to communicate with (or keep track of) their teenagers and students. Unfortunately, many do not really understand how Facebook works. This sometimes results in parents commenting on their kids' Facebook pages out of confusion, annoyance, or oblivion.

According to The Naked Roommate: For Parents Only, parents should not be insulted if their college students do not want to be their Facebook friends: "being a friend to your child means seeing, hearing, and knowing more than you might want to."

Here are some dos and don'ts for you to remember when using Facebook. (Note: some of these tips also apply to other social media such as Twitter, etc.)

DO talk frankly to your students about privacy controls and remind them that nothing in cyberspace every really goes away, even when software companies promise it does. According to Harlan Cohen, "Once it's out there, it's out there forever."

DO "like" the various FSU sponsored pages on Facebook, such as  Florida State University, Florida State University Seminole Boosters, Inc., FSU Alumni Association, and of course FSU Family Connection. This is a great way of staying informed on what is happening on campus.  

DO encourage your student to use Facebook to connect to resources on campus.

DO remember that being your student's friend on Facebook is a privilege, not a right.

DO remove anything your student asks you to.

DON'T use Facebook to spy on your student.

DON'T comment on your student's postings. If something really bothers you, send them a private message instead.

DON'T send friend requests to your students' roommates, friends, professors, employers, etc. These are your student's friends, not yours.

DON'T tag your student in photos. If you post a photo of your students, let them decide whether they want to be tagged. They may not want their friends to see pictures of them in diapers (or worse) on family vacations!

DON'T do anything on Facebook if you think it might embarrass your student. You will post enough things on Facebook that embarrass your student without meaning to.

DON'T be offended if your student defriends you. You are not as cool as you think you are.

DON'T use Facebook to check out your student's boyfriend or girlfriend.

DON'T jump to conclusions about what you see on Facebook. Students post song lyrics, inside jokes, etc., as status updates.

And finally, NEVER, EVER, abuse your Facebook privileges!

Allow me to set the scene: You have arrived at the residence hall check in with your new student in tow. You read all the signs, ask all the questions, and instruct your child on exactly what to do. You introduce yourself to the roommate, select the "best" side of the room, and leave a note for the Resident Assistant on exactly what "needs" your child may have before you leave to head back home.

Now for scene two: Your child sits and wonders where to go to find a vacuum for the sand that has poured out of the paper weight you insisted was a necessary addition to the student desk. Your student can't find any of the paperwork with phone numbers that you put away in an attempt to find a place for everything. You see where this is going.

Just as Goldilocks searched for the perfect chair, porridge, bed, etc., as parents of college students we strive to find the perfect amount of involvement in our students' endeavors. It is true that we probably know our student better than any dean, advisor, RA, or roommate. However, with this knowledge comes responsibility. It is probably not helpful to "hover" too much and not allow the student to make mistakes. It is more helpful to the student to instead be available to help when needed. Communication is key. Prepare ahead of time by talking with your student about the expectations that each of you has. The papa bear chair may be just right for your child in one situation, but in another the baby bear chair may be more appropriate.

Remember, you are searching with your child for the "just right" fit. Be an involved parent, not an overbearing one. Most students agree that they want the support and involvement of their parents, but in a way that is mutually comfortable.

*To read more parenting tips, turn to page 47 in The Naked Roommate: For Parents Only by Harlan Cohen. 

This year, Parents' Weekend will be held October 4th & 5th. Parents' Weekend is that special time in fall when families can get better acquainted with the Florida State University campus and enjoy the experience with their student. Parent's Weekend is a great time for your student to have the opportunity to show you all of the amazing aspects of our campus. During this weekend, students can enjoy sharing the experience of the FSU Flying High Circus, football games, and on-campus nighttime activities. 

The 2013 Parents' Weekend schedule is continually being updated, so please check  http://union.fsu.edu/pw/ frequently for updates!