How to Set Up a Family Website

With families moving across the country and even across the world, other family members sometimes don't get to see the children grow up. Since kids change so quickly, creating a family website is a great way to let extended family and friends keep in touch with your family.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Find a hosting company for your website. Picasso offers free password protected websites. Angelfire and Geocities also offer free websites.

2. Follow the instructions on the website to upload photos. Choose photos that aren't specific to your location, so those who aren't supposed to be on your site won't have access to any personal information on your children.

3. Enter text for photos and other information on your family. Have your contact page protected by a template so your email address isn't visible to avoid receiving unwanted emails.

4. Keep your pages updated so your family and friends can check often to see new photos and information.

5. Allow your children to design their own pages, but instruct them on Internet safety.

6. Email your list of friends and family each time you update your site.

7. Blog regularly, but always keep it password protected.

Tips & Warnings

• Approve all comments before they are posted on your website. Also, screen all email before it goes to your children.
• Don't make your website available to the public. Protect your children from potential predators.
• Don't offer any personal information, such as your location, address or phone number. Don't mention your child's school or extra-curricular affiliations.
• Don't allow people to email your children personally. Screen all email.

Resources

• Piczo offers free family-friendly sites.
• My Family offers websites for families to keep in touch.
• Anglefire offers free websites.
• Geocities has free website templates and hosting.