Let a Nanny Go Nicely
This article will highlight the good methods of letting a nanny go nicely in two different circumstances: when the nanny was a good fit for your family, and when the nanny was a bad fit.
Contents
Steps
When the Nanny was a Good Fit
- Sit down with the nanny in a quiet and calm environment, if possible. Try to schedule this so both of you will have plenty of uninterrupted time to go through any important information.
- Be upfront with the nanny. Begin by explaining the circumstances as best you can. Explain the reasoning for the split in as much detail is needed. Be it a financial situation, a move, or any kind of family issue, let the nanny know why this is happening.
- Tell the nanny that what he or she did that was amazing. Let them know what really worked and what didn't. It might help them at their newer job!
- Understand that there may still be money that needs to exchange hands. Ask the nanny about their policies. Some of them may have some kind of a fee involved, but this is unlikely. Make sure that all accounts that can be paid are paid, and have a system in mind to pay off whatever remains. Run this by your nanny and get it approved.
- Allow for goodbyes to be said. Do this if your children are attached to your nanny, or the nanny wishes to accept goodbyes.
When the Nanny was a Bad Fit
- Sit down with the nanny in a quiet and calm environment, if possible. Try to schedule this so that both of you have plenty of uninterrupted time to go through any important information.
- Tell the nanny why you are letting him or her go in no uncertain terms. Be kind about it, but tell him or her exactly what happened and what made the nanny a bad fit for your family.
- Tell him or her what he or she did, that was nice, even if there was a small act. This may help the nanny improve for their next client.
- Make sure that all money has been covered on both ends.
- Go with your gut on whether or not to allow for a goodbye, and be sure to supervise if you do. This may be tricky.
Tips
- When talking to a nanny who was a bad fit, don't "play the blame game". Use appropriate language. "After some consideration, I/we have come to the conclusion that we can no longer employ you because of x" sounds more professional than "You're fired because we hate you! You always do x, and".
- For a nanny who is a bad fit, take some time to cool off before this conversation. Hopefully, this will be able to help you approach the nanny without flipping out, especially if there is a very good reason to flip out.
Warnings
- Try not to put the nanny in a position where he or she begs for his or her job back. Be firm, not vague, about the circumstances.
- If you see/hear of your nanny doing something that seriously endangers your kids, no matter how small, fire him or her immediately and take appropriate legal action (such as calling the police).
