How to Fire a Nanny
The way you will fire a nanny depends in large part on the length and nature of your relationship with her. If you are looking for the best way to let your nanny go because you no longer need her, but like and respect her, you will want to minimize the damage to both her and your children by ending the employment in a graceful way. Whenever possible, this is the best way for all involved. If however, you are firing your nanny for cause -- for instance, stealing or mistreating the children -- the situation should be handled in a different manner.
Instructions
Determine how quickly you want to get rid of your nanny. If you want to fire a nanny because you suspect she is a bad influence on the kids or is actually dangerous or doing anything illegal in your home, you could just call her and tell her her services are no longer needed. You do not want to wait or pussyfoot around if there is a possibility of danger. Before making that phone call, you may want to put some safeguards in place if you think there is any chance at all that your nanny will harm your family or home. For example, if your nanny was on the approved pick-up list at your child's school, immediately contact the school and remove her so she can no longer take your child. Change the locks in your home if such a nanny had keys and make sure anyone else who has access to your home -- such as extended family members or other staff -- knows that the nanny is no longer welcome in the home or around the kids. Speak to your children about what has occurred, if they are old enough to understand. Explain what made the nanny inappropriate to be in their lives and allow the children to grieve if they need to, even if you are upset with the nanny. Remember that if you had any concerns with neglect or abuse, it's a good idea to report it to law enforcement to keep other parents from going through the same issues with the nanny in the future. Decide what you will offer, if the split with the nanny is amicable. If you have a spouse, sit down together and talk about a severance package, if possible. Or decide yourself what you feel comfortable offering. For instance, you may want to consider giving a month's pay and benefits, if you can afford it. Or if your nanny is live-in, consider paying her first month's rent in a new apartment. Give as much notice as possible. Try to avoid putting off the uncomfortable discussion. Your nanny will be even more upset about getting let go if she doesn't find out until a week before her last day. Instead, some warning can be very helpful. Tell your nanny that you will not need her anymore after the summer, or in three months. The more notice you can give, the better. Prepare the kids. This may be a difficult thing for them, as losing a primary caretaker can be hard. Explain the reasons why the nanny will be leaving gently, but as honestly as possible, and give them some time to get used to the idea. Unless there is truly no other choice, do not just tell them on the last day that they won't be seeing her again. It will also help your nanny out if you assist her in finding a new job. One of your nanny's primary worries will probably be the possibility of being unemployed. While there is no guarantee that won't happen, you can stack the odds in her favor by helping her place an ad in relevant newspapers or magazines or online, as well as by providing a truthful and glowing report for her future employers. Make the ending special. Consider having a going-away party for the nanny, or at least have a special dinner for her and the children. Give her a gift from the children, such as a framed photo of all of them together or a memory book the children have made for her.
