How to say thankyou politely

[Wildthingsx]

An acquaintance of mine has offered to look after my child after school as I’m returning to work, to save me having to pay for childcare and as our children are good friends. (And because I’m skint post-Covid)

I am new to this so what’s the protocol? Should I offer money ? Or take snacks round for after school? If I do take snacks should I take some for their child too so they can have the same (5 years old, so this is a ‘thing’)

I just don’t know what to do and it feels to rude to ONLY say ‘thanks!’

Regular thanks + Some kind of gift / takeaway on a regular basis.

And I think most important of all, regular checking it is still OK and reassurance that if she wants to stop for any reason please let you know.

Is this every day? It is a massive thing. I hope she knows what she is letting herself in for!

An acquaintance? Seems an odd solution.

How many days a week is it?

I must admit I'd feel uncomfortable with that, it's a huge favour. Someone I'd known for years or it was reciprocal, different story.

How well do you know her and how long for?

We have been to theirs for various dinners and have also had their child so they could work on ad hoc days. So we are friendly and this is a temporary thing for two weeks while my husband is away.

It’s only for an hour and a half after school. As the after school clubs are for 30 mins after school and useless.

Only 2 weeks? Oh that makes a big difference, I was thinking it was a long term indefinite thing.

Oh well that's fine then!

Big box chocs and a bottle at the end or similar.

Oh for 2 weeks? Chocolates and a bottle of wine plus the offer of reciprocal arrangements in future are more than enough.

I'd say thanks, maybe a bottle of wine at the end. Then I'd offer to have their dc for a weekend day so they can get some time alone.

Oh yes that’s brill.

Well IV got them round for some bonfire type treats tonight and have also offered to have their dc for a sleepover whenever they want at the weekend so they can go enjoy themselves somewhere! And will also take them out for a good meal in a week or so :). Thankyou for all your help