What to Do When Kids Outgrow Their Nanny

Your kids grow, develop and learn new skills each day, so it's only natural that their care needs change as well. Whether your current nanny is more comfortable with younger children or your kids simply don't need the level of care they used to, it might be time to examine other solutions. While it's the end of a relationship with your current caregiver, it means she's done her job in caring for, teaching and protecting your children.

  1. Create a Timeline

    • Talking to your nanny is the most crucial step to phasing in a new nanny or other type of care situation. She should know that she's not being let go because you're dissatisfied with her work with your children, but because you believe the children have outgrown her level of care. Offer plenty of compliments and then work together to create a timeline for leaving -- she may want to cut back her hours, give you notice or stick around until she can find another position before she leaves officially.

    Offer a Recommendation

    • If your kids' nanny will be looking for new work, it's good form to offer a solid recommendation. Referrals and recommendations are one of the most important parts of finding a new job, and because you're choosing to let your nanny go based on your kids' current needs, there shouldn't be a problem in offering to help your nanny get a new job with another family -- one that's a better fit when it comes to needs and skill set.

    Explore Alternatives

    • While your kids might have outgrown their current nanny, you may still need childcare solutions as a helping hand. This could mean another nanny who is more comfortable with older kids, a occasional babysitter, using daycare facilities or even using after-school programs. Talk to your partner about your current schedule and childcare needs -- it may be a combination of several types of care that work best for your children's ages and the level of care that they currently need.

    Prepare Your Children

    • Once you've worked out the specifics with your nanny and you have an alternative in place, talk to your children about the transition. They've likely formed a bond with their nanny, despite outgrowing her care. Your kids should know that the change isn't their fault, psychotherapist Robi Ludwig tells Care.com. You may even set up regular visits so that your kids can still see their nanny at birthday parties and other special events while they transition into their new care situation.

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