Burke Area and Northern Virginia Parents Publish Parenting Book

Patch recently chatted with local Northern Virginia authors Claudine Kurp, Amy Suski and Micaela Williamson about their new book, "Kid Trips Northern Virginia Edition: Your Family's Guide To Local Fun", which was published this month.

The book is intended to serve as a resource for parents looking to plan trips and activities in Northern Virginia for children of all ages. Read on to learn more about the authors and the inspiration for the book.

1. What did you all do in your "former lives" before launching blogs, Web sites and books geared to parenting and kids?
Claudine worked in corporate America, particularly Exxon Mobil and jokes that "although there are similarities, executives are far easier to deal with than toddlers." Amy was a lawyer in Washington, DC, and Micaela worked as an elementary school teacher. 

2. How did you come up with the idea for doing a book?
Claudine and Amy's website, DC Metro Mom, boasted a directory of over 4,000 entries, but the entries were basic: venue name, address, url. They always intended on turning the directory into an e-book. Micaela had met the ladies at some local blogging events, and the two thought she would be a perfect addition to the endeavor. After working with the material at hand, we collectively discovered that the book would also work as a paperback.

3. Have you visited every venue mentioned in your new book?
Between all of us, we have seven children and have lived in the area, collectively, for over thirty years. Our children range in age from toddlers to tweens. We are constantly trying out new venues and activities with them. The book is so comprehensive that it is impossible to have visited all the places mentioned. Writing the book has given us some fresh ideas for outings with our own families. We discovered new museums, parks, and activities we have never heard about before. Our families had a blast visiting new places and researching fun things to do. That said, actually writing the book was a big undertaking that took its toll on family time. Were there burned dinners, missed story times, groggy all-nighters, and exasperated husbands? Yes. Was it worth it?  Absolutely, and we hope you think so too!

4. How did you decide whether to include a venue in your book?
We chose venues from Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William, and Loudoun counties. For some chapters, such as indoor playspaces or skating, we listed and described every venue in the counties. For other venues, such as parks, we needed to pick the major ones or most unique.  

5. What are the physical boundaries of the locations mentioned in your book? (Are they just in Northern Virginia and in DC or a larger region?)
The book is geared towards Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William, and Loudoun counties. We also included a giant season guide with the best seasonal events and family-friendly trips to nearby Washington D.C. and Maryland too. 

6. Is the book geared to families with children who are younger, older, in-between?
The book is a guide for local families with children from infants to teens. Our author Amy has two tween boys and was a huge advocate for including things like skateparks, laser tag, and rock climbing. There are museums and venues listed in the book that wouldn't be appropriate for young children, and vice versa. We kept all ages in mind when creating the guide and hope it is something that grows with families over the years. 

7. I am assuming you all are Moms--do your kids help out with "reviews" of particular places you visit?
We list insider tips throughout the book that appeal to families visiting the venues. We may steer them to a certain area to find a restaurant for lunch afterwards, mention a stroller friendly path at a park, or give a tip as to where the nearest restrooms or shaded picnic area are located. For example, there are a few wonderful spraygrounds in Arlington that do not have public restrooms. That is a huge deal when you are traveling from Fairfax County with a three-year-old in hand.  
8. How is the book organized? By location/age groups/activities?
You can see how the book is organized by visiting gokidtrips.com/about-the-book.html.There are 26 chapters including Museums, Parks, Playgrounds, Nature Centers, Zoos, Pick-Your-Own Farms, Indoor Playrooms, Water Parks, Skating, Children’s Theaters, Sports, Laser Tag, Paint Ball, Arts & Crafts, Building Workshops, Jewelry Making, Skateparks, Campgrounds, Amusement Parks. And much more!

9. What tips would you give to new moms out there who might be feeling overwhelmed and alone?
Don't be afraid to venture out!  Pack up the baby and explore new venues like parks, museums, and even baby-friendly movie screenings. Our book also has a chapter on Parent Support Groups, and there are so many clubs for parents in the area. Sign up for a music or movement class. Many are offered through local cities and park systems and are reasonably priced.  

10. What tips do you have for other mothers out there who might be thinking of an alternative to a corporate 9 to 5 lifestyle? Are there certain "mom jobs" that work best for moms looking for flexibility?
It really depends on the individual and their interests. I will say that a good work ethic and willingness to work hard is a must. This book was created over many sleepless nights.

11. How did you find a publisher? Who designed the book -- what was your input with the "look" of it?
We are true entrepreneurs and created our own company, Kid Trips LLC and self-published the book. Claudine designed the cover by purchasing a stock image and adding on her own layers. As far as the content, we kept adding more and more. Micaela had the idea to do the "Kid Trips Top Picks" which lists:

• Best Consignment Shops
• Great Birthday Parties
• Best Kid’s Haircuts
• Favorite Baby & Toy Stores
• Kid-Friendly Restaurants
• Best Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
• Stroller-Friendly Trails
• Places to Ride Trains
• Places for a Tea Party
• Tween and Teen-Friendly Fun
  

We surveyed our thousands of readers and friends through social media and emails, and are extremely proud of the lists.

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"Kid Trips Northern Virginia Edition: Your Family's Guide To Local Fun" is on sale now.