The Top 3 Family Sites

You have to get connected. Social networking is micromanaging itself and is splitting up into a host of many networks, or pandering to the tastes, wants and needs of niche groups. Families are well represented and a wide array of websites have appeared over the last two years seeking to link the interests of parents and children. Some are better than others and some seem like “much of a muchness”, but we have selected some which we think stand out.

1. Glubble

Glubble is a little different from a number of the more generic entries in this sector, as it is a family social network that focuses on the safety of the children. You are able to develop an exclusive “in the family” network which is only accessible by your immediate family members and controlled by the parents. Other family members may access the global pages traditionally, but the “kids mode” locks the children into a protected environment and does not allow them access to potentially unsavory areas of the Internet.

Whilst they seem to have done well to safeguard children as they enjoy networking capabilities, Glubble has maintained a flexible and enjoyable environment for parents and kids alike. They have applications for messaging, picture sharing and a variety of games and activities. Just when you thought that all the silly domain names had been gobbled up, along comes another one – but Glubble translates into a good job for all the family.

2. Moxie Moms

As moms probably network as extensively, if not more so, than any other family member, Moxie Moms places its focus appropriately. This social network is a little clumsy in its presentation but allows users to create profiles, join niche-specific clubs, post photos, create classifieds and write blog entries. A network of friends can be set up using an established method of adding immediate friends and allowing the system to open up to find “friends of friends” through a number of tiers. You can also configure and establish a real life “chapter” in your locality forming a bridge between virtual networking and the real thing. This is one of the unique twists of Moxie Moms.

3. Mothers Click

Unlike Moxie Moms, which markets itself as “MySpace for Moms”, Mothers Click seems to be more content-based than interactive. The network is aimed squarely at the matriarch of the family and the whole setup requires you to interact with existing groups and blogs, rather than focus on the personal aspects of the family. It seems that Mothers Click could benefit somewhat from additional personalization and the site is a little short on the visual element. Of course we wouldn’t want them to go as overboard as MySpace now, would we?

So what do you think about our Top 3 Family Websites? Have you had any experience with these sites, or others? We want to hear your thoughts about our choices. Who would be on your Top 3 Family Website lists and why?

Adam Toren