When I was a kid, I went through a reporter phase. I created a family newspaper. Yes, I had big dreams. 

While the truth is it was the thought of using my reporting platform as a springboard into a anchorwoman position, which, naturally I would then use to jettison to total world domination a la Oprah, I like to tell people. It's that I'm just a naturally curious person. 

This curiosity extends to my parenting. 

You see, I'm always asking my kids questions. I'm sure in years to come, they'll find it ridiculously annoying. But for now, they seem to enjoy it. Or at least that's what I tell myself. 

There are a couple reasons I interview my kids. First, old dreams die hard, or something like that. Second, I love hearing their responses to questions like: If you had to spend your allowance at only one store, which one would you pick? What's your favorite place to eat? Why? 

It not only encourages them to articulate their thoughts and opinions, it helps them recognize what's happening in the community around them.

As Patch readers, you know Patch is a great medium for folks to find out what's happening locally —from news, to opinion, to even weekend events—all from a local perspective. 

While it's fantastic for all of these things, perhaps there is another perspective—one from a different demographic; a demographic that lives in our community but we don't often hear from: kids. 

Over the next few weeks, we're looking for young citizen journalists to help us get a youth-eyed view of our town—from its hot spots to great eats. Our young citizen journalists will get real-world experience writing for new media. Who knows? Your child may just be the next Woodward or Bernstein.

We'll publish kid reviews in the following categories:

• Best pizza place

• Best place to spend your allowance

• Best park/playground

• Best place to grab dessert

• Best kid-friendly activities/events

• Best kid-friendly restaurant

How can your child contribute? Send your child's review from one of the categories above to jcooper@classic-play.com or penny.riordan@patch.com by Friday, August 5.

We'll publish reviews throughout the summer. You can also post the reviews directly on the site under the Places section, which is a comprehensive list of local business. Just type the name of your business in the search box and write the review in the bottom of the listing.

Here's an example of a review:

Favorite Place to Get Dessert

Ellie, age 8

"My favorite place to get dessert is You Scream Ice Cream. Why? I like it because they have my favorite flavor—green mint chip. The people are very nice. They have lots and lots of flavors in very pretty colors and really cool toppings. Plus the cones are very crunchy."

It is located in Catonsville on Frederick Road. You should visit it because I think you would really enjoy it!"