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Thursday, September 06, 2007
Toys R Us
Another 90-degree day (yes, I talk about the weather, but I don't do anything about it). We took a trip to Target (again) so Rachel and Brian could spend the birthday money that was burning a hole in their pockets. And if I had realized how many hours of enjoyment they would get out of a couple of trashy toys, I would have paid for them myself. We came straight home and the 3 youngest left me alone for a blessed 2 hours while they played with their new acquisitions. Let's see....twenty dollars for 2 hours - maybe a little more expensive than a babysitter, but we might get a couple hours more use out of the toys, if I'm lucky. Oh, and I had to shell out 5 dollars of my own to buy Susie a Barbie doll so she wouldn't get jealous. It came clothed in a bikini, but Susie likes her to hang out au naturel. With her little plastic sunglasses on. Rachel's Barbie is a little more dignified, sporting an attractive evening gown (complete with tiara) that isn't even slutty. Just for the record, Brian didn't get a Barbie doll. He bought some little Lego thing that I think is a firetruck with lots of teeny-tiny accessories. He is deliriously happy. In case anyone has been wondering exactly how much happiness costs, the answer (at least for 7-year-old boys) is 10 dollars plus tax.
Around here, $10/hour for more than one kid is a veritable babysitting bargain! (In fact, when I found a babysitter who'd watch both my boys for $10/hour I was shocked, and no, I won't share her name with anyone, and I round up generously.) How cheap are your babysitters?!
ReplyDeleteExtremely cheap - I grew my own. Before that, we couldn't afford any. But, from what you told me, my daughter is being grossly underpaid by her other clients.
ReplyDeleteI was just about to address the babysitter pay issue but I can see someone beat me to the punch. I pay a minimum of $10/hour for Frick & Frackette.
ReplyDeleteI do share her with others but she knows she's not allowed to take another Saturday night babysitting gig without checking with me first until 2017.
Oh, I do have Sitemeter on my blog, btw, it's just hidden. Sneaky, huh?!
I found a cheaper - oh, I mean more economical - way to keep 'em happy quite by accident. I went to some garage sales. They kids loved the old toys so I decided to give each one $2. After a while they were looking for signs along the road and begging me to stop. When they started to get good a haggling, I did get a bit concerned but it was fun. We call it "garage sailing" - made it a sport. I am finally good at one!
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