Softbox or Umbrella for my speedlight?

I have stopped using my dad's continous light soft boxes as they took up sooo much room both for storing and setting up.
I thought that I would explore my speedlights more instead.
You can get hotshoe mounts and softboxes or umbrellas quite reasonably. So which would serve me best for portraits of my kids??
I'm so clueless when it comes to lighting!

I think it would boil down to preference. You'll get a square catchlight from a softbox, and a round one from an umbrella. Umbrellas are generally easier to transport, and cheaper too.

It's also worth bearing in mind that softboxes direct light forwards whereas umbrellas are more translucent (so light can go through them/bounce around). That means softboxes can be placed infront of the camera, yet if an umbrella is in front some of the light will go through it and may cause lens flare.

But I'm no lighting expert so wait and see what others say too

Tommy is meant to be doing a little write up for us re lighting - not sure how much he'll cover softboxes/umbrellas in it tho..

I think I would go for one or two shoot through umbrellas. Gives a nice soft light and they're very light weight and easy to carry around. They are also way easier to put up and down than a softbox. Generally easier to use And cheaper as well. I think I would get two by the way. Lots of people don't use modifiers for their rim lights (like I did on that tutorial), but usually I use softboxes on my rim lights too. Gives a way smoother light, and it kind of feathers around to body instead of that harsh edgy light. At least nice to have the possibility even if you don't want to use it all the time

Just a quick note to say I've copied Tommy's post to this thread too

I agree with Tommy. For ease of use, umbrellas are very handy but for the overall finish, i love my softbox x

I have gone with an umbrella for now (so so cheap!), and I'll get a softbox in the future once I get the hang of off camera flash.
I've not really had a practice yet as we have so much good natural light at the moment. Once the nights draw in again I'm sure I'll be using it more.