Dislike MIL but she's offering free childcare

[Sipsupsip]

The relationship between MIL and I broke down a couple of years ago. I have almost nothing to do with her. I had a baby about 9 months ago and we are thinking about childcare solutions for my return to work.
MIL has offered to have him for a couple of days a week. She really does love the baby and sees him for a couple of hours on Saturdays and Sundays when DH goes to visit her.
Additional info: DH currently pays for MILs bills and rent as she has no other income.
So, in theory we could afford full time nursery childcare but can't really due to this expense.

So, my question to you wise MNeters... What issues do you foresee in this set up? Am I mad?
Logistically DH would do drop off and pickups.
Ta

This thread is a few months old - how come it's been resurrected? This seems to happen a lot these days!

Regardless, What did you decide @Sipsupsip ?

I am in a super similar situation. MIL is a bitch and never been kind or accepted me. However, she's a wonderful and doting grandparent. She's great with my children and has watched them both two days a week while I've worked. It's worked well for us and when the boys turned three they've both gone onto preschool instead.
My own parents aren't hands on with my children so I didn't want to deprive them of the relationship with her as she's the only one they have a deep relationship with. They adore her but I'm sure as they grow older they may pick up on the tension between us.

Hi.

currently my mum and sister looks after my toddler. I pay my sister a little as it’s hard work.
It’s difficult though because he watches a lot of tv with them.
i left toddler with my mil as she said she wanted to spend time with him. But again she makes him watch tv.

now baby number two is on the way. My dh also pays for her bills/expenses.
so worst comes to worse I may have to leave baby number two with her ( she’s happy about this) and pay her a little as she has no job etc.

but I do feel bad inside as they make him watch tv, and most likely gonna make the baby watch too 🥲

TV isn't the worst thing in the world @Kardelen , if your DCs are safe and loved. I agree it's not ideal though - could you ask her to limit it a little and make sure she takes them to the park or out for a walk every day? That could be a way to limit it a little and not cause offence.

I don’t know about the tv, I think I partly feel bad because before I had him I said I’m not going to let him watch any tv. Probably wasn’t realistic but I feel like a bad mum. But have to work as well… I did cut down on my hours to do part time. But still feel guilty.

toddler at the moment is quite bad when we take him out. In other words he would run off so I don’t think anyone would have the energy to chase him including me ( pregnant). So that’s why we keep him in unless I get brave 😅 or husbands home

I don't understand why you're paying her rent and bills.

If she has no pension and no income, she needs to apply for pension credit. That will cover rent and council tax and, I think, an extra £9k spending money for food, bills, etc.

Your toddler won't learn to stay with you and not run if you keep him in as soon as you do go out he will be off....I'd start with reins and play stop and go ...walking together say stop stand on one leg, (jump 3 times, tickle wave etc) then go stop etc ..make it fun and silly then they will think stop is part of the game your baby will learn it from the pushchair and join in. The last thing you want to do is chase that makes it a game. Once he's doing it with you on reins take them on in a safe place where you can say no it's stop your out come back. You can even start in doors