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A nanny can be of great benefit for both children and parents. They can allow busy parents to provide the best care for their children in an intimate relationship in their own home. There are times though when it doesn’t work for various reasons. Sometimes it’s just that the family situation has changed and the nanny’s no longer needed, sometimes there are more serious reasons for letting a nanny go.

Whatever the reason is for letting a nanny go, it’s bound to affect the children.  They often develop strong bonds with their nannies, so letting a nanny go can be a difficult task for all involved.  There are some key things to consider when ending the employment of a nanny, no matter what the reason.

Family Integration

A nanny is more than just your typical caregiver. They should have similar or better credentials to your typical childcare worker, but a good one will also develop a much more intimate relationship with the child. They become part of the family and the child won’t be able to make the distinction between actual family members and their nanny. For the child there really is no difference.

When a family decides it’s time to let their nanny go they have to be conscious of this special relationship with their child. If possible, the child needs to be properly prepared for the separation. It will never be easy, but the transition can be easier if handled carefully.

A Clean Break is Best – Sometimes

Some experts think that a clean break with a nanny is best for the child, while others believe it’s healthy to allow some type of relationship to continue. In truth it really depends on the reason the parents are letting the nanny go. If the reason is serious, a continued relationship will no longer be possible, but if the parents and former nanny are parting ways amicably then some kind of continuation can be good for the child, the parents, and the nanny.

It Depends on the Age

How a child reacts to losing their nanny will depend on their age. A child under two will probably have very little trouble adjusting. Children over three may have a difficult time adjusting. If possible, a parent needs to prepare their older children for the transition to avoid unwanted mental stress on the child. Older children tend to form stronger bonds as they associate their nanny with many positive experiences in their lives.

Neglect Shouldn’t be Tolerated

If a parent suspects a nanny of neglecting their children’s needs, they should remove them from the home immediately. The child’s safety and well-being should always come first. In these situations, the relationship needs to be terminated quickly. If the nanny was referred by an agency, such as Not Just Babysitters (NJBS), they should also be notified of the situation.