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Thank your parents for looking out for you, and now take over. Get the person's name and contact info from your parents and contact that person to learn more about them and the company, as well as the intern program.
Now call the person and say something like: "Hi, this is NAME, and my parents NAME & NAME told me that you work for a great company that is looking for interns. I'd like to learn more about the company and what you do. I'd also like to tell you a little about myself. My mother says she met you through X. What was that like?"
You're starting a conversation and showing some interest. You've picked up the reins from your parents to talk to their contact and now it won't reflect poorly on anyone. In this stage, you're on a fact-finding mission. If you don't think you'd be a good fit for the place, based on the information garnered from this research, thank them and move on. If your parents have pulled strings, or their friends have pulled strings, goody for you. You have an advantage. Use it. Don't abuse it. Because what goes around comes around and if you mismanage an advantage, it can hurt your or a loved one's credibility later on.
As a previous intern manager, I'd rather an intern candidate with personal connections turn me down if its not going be something she will enjoy and work hard at, and hire someone else.
There's no harm in anyone's repuation for you to take an informational meeting or even a job interview. Ultimately the candidate and the hiring manager must decide together if there is to be a job offer and for the candidate to accept. In cases where there are personal relationships, as long as you handle yourself courteously and professionally, you won't burn any bridges.
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