Stories of "helicopter parents" abound. But several longtime student-affairs officials agree that while helicopter parents are real, their numbers--and behaviors--have been exaggerated. Parental involvement on campus, they say, is usually more of a help than a headache, for students and colleges alike. Some officials believe colleges must do even more to engage parents, particularly those who did not attend college themselves. They point to the most recent National Survey of Student Engagement, which suggests plugged-in parents may help their children succeed. (Contains 1 figure.)