Weird question but I have been a part of this community for 9 years now and I trust you. (I usually post things under the Parkinson's category). But here's my question:

How much do you pay a babysitter when you go out?

My daughter lives in the Houston area (Katy for those of you who know Texas) and paid a sitter $10.00 an hour. Isn't that a bit pricey? Perhaps I'm in the wrong profession!

I live in the Chicago suburbs and have no need for a sitter. My children are now in their late twenty's but for those of you in the Chicago area, do you know how much they get here?

I told you this was a random question! I hope everyone had a great weekend. I'm counting down the days until I see my new neurologist (4 days!) but have at least been able to function.

Thanks to any of you who respond.

I guess it depends on how many kids, ages & how much care they need?

Bottles/feeding’s, diaper changes, meals for older kids and if any children are over active, those do take more energy & overseeing than kids that might just need someone to be there for safety reasons..

You're right ... I forgot about that. I told you I haven't utilized a babysitter for eons! My daughter has a nine month old son so just one child. Like you said, he needs his diaper changed and his bottle so that plays into the equation. I have four children ... three of which were under 2 1/2 years old when the third one was born. My fourth child came four years later. Gee gads. I couldn't afford to go out any longer!

Thanks for responding. I appreciate it.

After I lost my last corporate job at 61 and I still needed to make money and no one wanted to hire a 61 yr old who knew so little about technology...I embarked on childcare.

I had full day jobs five days a week and made $100 a day.

Evening jobs started at $5 an hour way back then and $10 is not unreasonable today.

One NYear's Eve I took care of a little girl and made $120. People really want to go out and they have the money.

I enjoyed those years and had the energy and good health back then.

All that's changed and I'm glad I did all that I did.

I remember the days when I did babysitting as a way to earn some money. I was paid 50 cents per hour. Guess I just dated myself. Yes, it was a LONG time ago.

I friend of mine told me his granddaughter gets $10 per hour for babysitting.

My first thought was, maybe I should babysit once again. NOPE, I would never be able to handle doing that in my physical condition. I need a sitter myself. I am just not a baby.

All humor aside,... it sounds as if that is the going fee these days.