How to Let a Nanny Go Nicely

You trust your nanny with what's most important to you in the world: your children. The right nanny can become like family to you. However, it can take some trial and error to find the right nanny, and you may have to fire nannies who are unreliable, who do not use disciplinary measures in line with your parenting philosophy or who may even steal from you. Other times, you may have to let a nanny go because your work schedule changes or your children no longer need care. Learning how to let a nanny go nicely can help you end things on good terms.

Instructions

    • 1

      Break the news in person. Whether you are letting your nanny go because of a change in your circumstances or you are firing her for cause, the situation has the potential to be awkward. Attempting to convey the information over the phone or through email can make the situation tense, since you cannot use body language and tone to convey intent. By breaking the news in person, you can soften the blow.

    • 2

      Provide an honest and direct explanation. Avoid vague reasoning like "It's just not working out" or "We just can't keep you on." Without a clear reason for being let go, your nanny might think the worst, and that can cause hard feelings. Be honest, but don't let the conversation veer into a personal attack. If your nanny was chronically late, explain that you have to let her go because she was late, but do not elaborate by calling her unreliable or questioning her work ethic.

    • 3

      Arrange a goodbye with the kids. Your nanny has likely spent a lot of time caring for your children. They are likely to have a special relationship, and the ending of the relationship may sadden both your nanny and your children. Give them a chance to say goodbye. If you are letting your nanny go because of a change in circumstances, you can give her notice so that she can spend another couple of days caring for the children. If you are firing your nanny for cause, you can allow her to go in the children's room to say goodbye.

    • 4

      Offer to write a reference. If you are firing your nanny for cause, this may not be an option. However, if you are letting your nanny go because of a change in your needs, you should offer to write a letter of recommendation that could help her find new work.

    • 5

      Provide severance pay. Your nanny is your employee, and, as an employee, she would expect to get severance pay if she were let go from a job. How much severance you provide depends on how long your nanny has been working for you, whether she was working full time or part time and what terms you agreed on when you hired her. Many companies provide one week of severance pay for every year of service.

    • 6

      Offer to let your nanny stay in touch with the children. It could be a simple email every now and then, or it could be occasional play dates. Decide what makes you comfortable depending on the relationship your nanny and children had and the reasons you had to let your nanny go.

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