Capturing all that is cool online for kids ages 5 to 12, My Dad N' Me (www.MyDadNMe.com) launches a "virtual playground" enabling dads, kids and their families to build more meaningful relationships through both on and offline engagement. As discovered through company research, the site addresses the three most important attributes dads are seeking in social networking sites for their kids: 1) it is safe; 2) it is age appropriate; and 3) it involves dad's participation.
"My Dad N' Me embraces the social media craze and redefines it for kids ages 5 to 12," said Keith Kriegler, creator of My Dad N' Me and CEO of Inspiring U, Inc., the parent company of My Dad N' Me. "It is a free, innovative online social media platform that transforms and enriches relationships between dads and their children, as well as close family and friends. It fills a void that today's popular social media sites have left untapped."
While Kriegler created My Dad N' Me with a clear focus on fun, he has made certain that the site follows the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) guidelines, providing a safe place for kids to interact with their dads. The site elicits creativity from both youngsters and their dads with interactive features such as message boards, games, family photo albums, customizable home pages for families and e-greeting cards, among other activities dads and their kids can do together both in and out of cyberspace.
Kriegler, a 20-year marketing veteran who most recently owned a Chicago-based agency supporting consumer-faced initiatives from some of the world's most recognized brands, created the site out of his own experience as a dad as well as through the many conversations he has had with friends and associates who also have children. He, like many other fathers he has spoken to, sought ways to build a better relationship with his child. Recognizing that the computer is the communication tool and entertainment source his daughter prefers most, Kriegler created My Dad N' Me as a way to fill the need to engage in activities on and offline and to stay connected throughout his busy work days, or when traveling on business and other times apart.
"This site allows for me, and millions of other fathers, to build a closer relationship with our children outside of the traditional phone conversations. When I can't be around, it's the e-cards and notes that can be left on members' personal message boards which consistently surprise and delight," said Kriegler. "This way I felt more connected to her and it perpetuated our conversations. I know when she gets a card congratulating her on doing great in school or to tell her I miss her; I know it puts a big smile on her face, and that makes me happy. It's important to develop a strong, lasting relationship with your children and to always stay connected. I designed this site to help aid busy fathers accomplish this objective."
The easy to enjoy site offers many exciting levels of interaction between fathers and their families. The signup process takes minutes and allows fathers or parental guardians to have full control of the family's online experience. Moms can also sign their husbands up and create a family account, which goes a long way toward fostering positive, healthy relationships between dads, kids and families. Once the dad/guardian account has been activated, sub accounts for children and other family members can be added, linking the family tree together. This site, unlike other social sites, allows dads and their young children to participate in the online conversation in a parent controlled environment.
Dad It Up Provides Place for Fathers to Connect Online
In addition to My Dad N' Me, Kriegler wanted to offer dads the opportunity to share their ideas and concerns about connecting with their kids. Dad It Up (http://www.daditup.com/) is a site launching in tandem with My Dad N' Me, and provides dads with an opportunity to post ideas and questions while receiving feedback through ongoing discussion threads on a variety of topics.
"I wanted to create an open forum for dads to connect with one another in a relevant, meaningful way," added Kriegler. "A place where a dad can go to find everything from ideas on how to be a better parent to exchanging honest, open feedback on how to handle issues at home, work, step-parenting, visitation rights and more."
Supporting Dad It Up is a panel of advisors who will guide discussions and provide regular postings to the page. These individuals include: Dr. Dan Friedman, a licensed clinical family psychologist; Barry Moltz, an entrepreneur, published author and motivational speaker; and Steve Wasko, a family law attorney.
About My Dad N' Me
Launched in April 2009, My Dad N' Me (MyDadNMe.com) is a website designed to transform and enrich relationships between dads, their children and close family and friends. Inspiring U, Inc. CEO and founder Keith Krieger has also launched DadItUp.com and has future plans to release several complementary websites devoted to providing families with a safe and interactive environment that strengthens relationships between dads, moms, kids, family and friends by harnessing the power of the internet and mobile technology.
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