Cm'on man, these are 18yr old kids. Do you really think they know what is best for them? Parents should be there to ask the tough questions that the kid is either too scared to ask or otherwise wouldn't ask. Parents should also try and keep the kid grounded, not get too caught up in the hype and, yes, help them make an informed decision.
As a coach, you should be able to spot an overbearing parent a mile away and, as a coach, you also have the power to offer or not.
If your child gets full scholarships (sports, academic, etc.), then that is one thing, and you can advise them and such. But if I am the one footing the bill, then yes, I will have some input into where my child is attending. While I never even thought about going there, my Dad told me in high school that he would not pay for me attending college in Mississippi. He was probably half joking, but I knew how he felt. I was a legacy at UT anyway, so I basically knew where I was going.
Edit: I got delfonic'd.
Last call for "insider" statements.
I don't believe they are basing their decision on Joseph being at A&M, I just believe that's a factor that's been a part of A&M being in it. From talking to both the father and Bussey Jr., I don't believe that's a deciding factor, more of a reason they are looking at A&M.