Whether it’s on good or bad terms, letting go of your nanny is never easy. If your nanny has done a good job and the reason you are letting them go has nothing to do with them (you lost your job, are dealing other financial issues, decided to stay home, etc) then you should always give your nanny at least 2 weeks notice. You can also help her find another job by letting others know that your nanny’s available. You can post your own ad for them to let parents know how wonderful they are, provide references or call local agencies to tell them about your nanny.

The best way to break the news is to do it in person. You may need to ask them to stay a little longer than usual in advance, in case they have plans after work. If you explain to your nanny that it’s nothing personal and that the decision is due to outside issues, then they are more likely to be understanding of the situation. After you speak with them, give them a signed reference letter that explains how great they were and that it’s not their fault that they are being let go. It is also nice to let them see the kids one last time as their nanny. If your nanny is close with your family, then let them know that they are welcome to keep in touch with the family.

On the contrary, if they are being fired then it’s a different story. If your nanny has done something that is totally unacceptable (left children alone, lied, stolen something, is continuously late and undependable etc..) then you will not need to give them any notice. When the nanny has done something bad, you will want to let them go on the spot, especially If you catch them mistreating the children or stealing. You can tell them that you will be sending them any pay that is owed in the mail. If your nanny hasn’t done anything major but she has just been late often and undependable, you may want to just call her after work and explain that you are letting them go and the reasons why. You can tell them that you will put their check in the mail. Obviously, no reference will be given.