I've decided it was time to hire a babysitter out of the family. I solo parent a lot DH is gone overnight most weeks 2-4 nights. During the school year she's in daycare 8 hours a week but they run on a school schedule. Well T and I are both sick and I needed someone. A family I know well has a 15 year old daughter who is very mature and responsible. She came for the first time yesterday, it went great. I plan to start using her a evening or two a week so I can get stuff done around the house and work on my photography.

A few things. She does not have any training. Like first aid, CPR, babysitter class. She does watch her Aunts kids (a friend of mine) one day a week- under 1 and 2. I see this being a long term arrangement. She said she wants to take classes and is interested in babysitting more. She's a competitive athlete so I expect babysitting will be a good fit for her training schedule through high school. Should I offer to pay for her classes? What would your comfort level be with a babysitter like mine going on a walk/ taking a child to a park (she has a cell phone)? What about leaving them alone and for how long? I'm just not sure what the norm is. I asked my husband and he said she is a sophomore she's responsible, no worries. But I don't think I'd be comfortable leaving for 2 hours for say a dr appt. Thoughts? Guidance?