Whether on good terms or on bad, it is likely you will not be needing your nanny forever, and will eventually need to let her go. That's right, you will need to fire your most beloved nanny. Maybe you caught her in a lie, or you're moving, or feel that another type of nanny will be more suitable for the new needs of your family/children, or maybe you simply don't need a nanny anymore because children are older.
Here are some general guidelines on how to let your nanny go smoothly.
1. Consider whether or not you would like to maintain a relationship afterwards for the children's sake. This may influence how you go about letting her go.
2. Have another nanny in place before letting your current nanny go, if you in fact still need a nanny.
3. Your Nanny will likely be upset, angry or hurt if she didn't see it coming. Be sensitive to her needs and understanding.
4. If you are letting her go for poor performance or bad conduct, you may want to do this over the phone on the weekend. She shouldn't work with the children after being informed. It is human nature to perform even worse on a job after receiving notice.
5. Consider paying her at least 1-2 weeks severance pay depending on the circumstances. If she is leaving on good terms, consider offering more to show your love and appreciation for the person who took great care of your children.
6. Being a nanny is not an ordinary job that you can quickly get over, there may be some hurt feelings and she likely has a great love for your children. Lessen the blow by suggesting she come over for babysitting and to visit whenever she is available.
7. Make sure you get the keys on the spot or change your locks regardless of the terms of the termination.
8. Consider the children but don't tell them until shortly before you inform the nanny. You want to consider their feelings but you also don't want them to tell the nanny before you do.