How to show appreciation?

[Hopeislost]

My MIL (who is wonderful) is providing our childcare currently. My husband is a key worker and works shifts, so our childcare requirement varies between mornings or afternoons, usually 3-5 times a week. She is very insistent on us using her and would be devastated if we put DD (18 months) in nursery. I have no issues with her childcare and DD adores her. Although she is very eager I feel like we are taking advantage. She won't take money and I present her with small gifts and bunches of flowers from DD. But how else can I show how much we appreciate her help?

Tell her. Every day, every time just thank her for her help and support. Tell her you couldn’t do it without her and you appreciate how generous she is with her time. If she’s happy with your set up then keep doing what you’re doing.

My parents wouldn’t dream of taking money etc for similar so I look for little wins like paying for coffee when we go out, buying little things I see that I know they’d like etc. It sounds like you’re already doing that. Perhaps once Covid is over a restaurant voucher or theatre tickets?

No advice but it's so nice you're trying to find a way to show gratitude.