They’ve packed the car and moved their kids into their dorm. But some college parents aren’t ready to let go, and Facebook is where it all plays out.
One parent wanted to email their child’s professors before the semester began to introduce themselves and open a line of communication. Another questioned how to handle their daughter's boyfriend visiting her dorm and considered involving his parents. Others asked where they can check their child's grades.
Across the country, thousands of parents are joining Facebook groups for their child’s school with names like "Clemson University - Parents & Families" and "NYU Class of 2026 Parents and Families." In an age where technology offers parents constant connection, the spaces are meant for advice. Most of the posts on these forums are asking for tutor recommendations, help finding a fall apartment lease or advice on course selections. Others are easily Googleable, but harmless questions asking when graduation is, if there are printing services on campus and if university health services will treat a sinus infection.
But some of the requests go too far, says Dr. Julie Lythcott-Haims, former dean of freshmen at Stanford University and author of “How to Raise an Adult.”
