Seriously!

This wasn't my original topic for today, but I had to write about it.  
I was conducting my daily job search online this morning and came across a posting seeking a "Professional Nanny/Sitter".  I have no great desire to raise anyone's child but my own; but I went ahead and read the listing.  To summarize, this person is looking for a Nanny to care for her 18 month old, approximately 13-15 hrs/day, five days a week.  The pay?  $150/wk.  WOW!  That averages out to about $2/hr.  You read that right....$2 per hour to take care of an 18 month old.  I charged more as a teenage babysitter in 1984.

I completely understand the difficulty of being a single mom (I am one!) and trying to work and support yourself.  And I know how hard it is to find good childcare.  But who do you think is going to take a $2/hr job????   Other civilized countries have state run child care that runs 24/7, and pays the caregivers living wages while remaining affordable for parents.  Why can't we have these same options available?  I'm lucky, I have family willing to help care for my daughter.  So I can work my wine industry job, which involves night hours, and know that she is safe and well loved.  Not everyone is so blessed.

I know we have a plethora of issues in this country right now, but maybe we need to step back for a minute and take a look at what's really important.  Much lip service is paid to the importance of family, education, and keeping our kids safe and healthy.  Funny how we don't seem to do much to actually back up those ideas.