( CNN ) -- If you 're spending all your time wading through risqué photos , crazy rants and awkward posts , it 's probably time to reassess your posse of Facebook pals . `` Ask yourself what your true motivations are for being virtual friends , '' says Andrea Bonior , Ph.D. , a licensed clinical psychologist and author of `` The Friendship Fix . '' Keep this handy cheat sheet as a guide when you next log on : . Who : Your kid 's teacher . Why friend ? : You hit it off at the school fair , so friending her could be the next logical step . The lowdown : Sharing on Facebook could become uncomfortable , especially if an issue arises at school . `` The teacher may feel it 's difficult to be objective about your child or that you 're asking for special treatment , '' explains Bonior . Parenting.com : 30+ iPhone apps for kids . Who : The weekend babysitter . Why friend ? : She 's sweet with your kids and lives down the block , so what 's the harm ? The lowdown : It 's fine to poke around online before you hire -- many potential employers do this -- but decline her friend request . `` You 're bound to see a post or photo that makes you cringe , and it could ruin your relationship , '' says Bonior . Who : The moms in your kid 's class . Why friend ? : It seems like a good idea to meet new people and keep tabs on your kids . The lowdown : This one 's a yes , but be selective . Pick ( and accept ) only the moms you 're already friendly with . You 're not going to bond with the whole parent body online and should n't risk annoying potential future playdates with your posts . Parenting.com : Is media violence damaging to children . Who : Your family pediatrician . Why friend ? : Between sick visits , vaccines and earaches , you 're in her office every month ! The lowdown : Are n't those exams enough sharing ? Facebook is n't the avenue for medical communication , and unless you go out for drinks regularly with your kid 's doctor , she simply should n't be a part of your social life -- period . Parenting.com : Do you ever experience `` Facebook Envy ? '' Who : An old boyfriend . Why friend ? : He was a hoot in high school ! He 's still kind of cute ! It 's only Facebook , right ? The lowdown : If either of you is married , then no . The posts or pictures could hurt your partner 's feelings . `` Many people have a hidden agenda for finding and friending an ex , so be honest about why you 're reaching out , '' says Bonior . Parenting.com : How to handle awkward mom moments . Plus : Facebook 's privacy controls have been revamped . Here 's the takeaway : . • A new icon links directly to privacy settings , so it 's faster to use than the current drop-down arrow near the home tab . • A Request Removal tool allows you to ask whoever uploaded unauthorized photos of you to delete them . • Notices can alert you if content you want to hide from your timeline might still appear in news feeds . • Facebook apps now have to make two requests to access your info and post to your account . Get 2 FREE YEARS of Parenting magazine - Subscribe Now ! ! Copyright 2011 The Parenting Group . All rights reserved . Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited .
A parent 's Facebook newsfeed is a relations minefield . School politics can make friending teachers uncomfortable . Family doctors should not be a part of your social life .