Top 12 How To Fire A Babysitter The 67 Detailed Answer

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Just be honest with her about possible future work and keeping in touch. Subject: How do I tell our nanny of four years we don’t need her anymore? Tell her ASAP, give a gift, from the kids, severance pay, at least a month warning, and a recommendation letter.All you have to do is politely decline. It can be as simple as saying “Sorry, I’m not available to babysit at the moment.” You can add additional details about how you’re busy with another job, school, or any other details that you want. Just saying no should usually be enough though.

Firing Your Nanny the Right Way

Add termination/resignation language to your work agreement. …
Understand at-will employment. …
Conduct job performance evaluations. …
Identify, address and document issues. …
Ask yourself why you want to fire your nanny. …
Know when to fire immediately. …
Set a backup plan for childcare.

If your expectations have changed or your babysitter is no longer following your guidelines, you need to communicate about it.

Find the issue. …
Ask your friends and family members for input. …
Keep a paper trail. …
Once you decide to fire, make a new plan. …
Do it face to face. …
Do it quickly. …
Set a time. …
Don’t have your kids there.

12 things you should never do while babysitting

Don’t take the kids out of the home without permission. …
Don’t take or post photos of the kids. …
Don’t be on your phone. …
Don’t smoke, drink or do drugs. …
Don’t make the family’s business public. …
Don’t watch inappropriate shows or videos.

Contents

How do I get rid of my babysitter?

If your expectations have changed or your babysitter is no longer following your guidelines, you need to communicate about it.

Find the issue. …
Ask your friends and family members for input. …
Keep a paper trail. …
Once you decide to fire, make a new plan. …
Do it face to face. …
Do it quickly. …
Set a time. …
Don’t have your kids there.

How do you tell your nanny you don’t need her anymore?

How do you tell someone you want to stop babysitting?

All you have to do is politely decline. It can be as simple as saying “Sorry, I’m not available to babysit at the moment.” You can add additional details about how you’re busy with another job, school, or any other details that you want. Just saying no should usually be enough though.

What a babysitter should not do?

12 things you should never do while babysitting

Don’t take the kids out of the home without permission. …
Don’t take or post photos of the kids. …
Don’t be on your phone. …
Don’t smoke, drink or do drugs. …
Don’t make the family’s business public. …
Don’t watch inappropriate shows or videos.

Are babysitters allowed to sleep?

While you’re babysitting, you might start to feel tired and wonder if it’s okay to sleep or not. Can babysitters sleep while they’re on the job? Sleeping on the job is usually not recommended. You need to be awake and ready to tend to any needs of the children you’re watching.

How do you end a relationship with a nanny?

How to Let Your Nanny Go

Consider your reasoning. Are you letting your nanny go because she did something wrong or because of no fault of her own? …
Develop your termination plan. …
Tell your nanny. …
Tell your kids. …
Provide an opportunity for closure. …
Tie up loose ends.

What do you say when you quit a nanny?

Write a formal letter of resignation

Keep it concise and honest. State that you are resigning and include the date of your last day as their nanny. If you’d like, you can include the reasons why you are quitting, but this isn’t necessary. Just make sure to be polite and professional.

How much notice do I have to give my nanny?

The standard practice is for you to dictate two of her 4 weeks off, to coincide with when you wish to take your family holiday, and the nanny chooses two weeks. They do need to give you notice, and check the dates suit you before they book.

Is it wrong to not want to babysit?

DEAR GROUNDED: You are not a bad person for not wanting to babysit. You have the right to live the life you want to live. Loving your grandchildren and wanting to spend time with them should not obligate you to take full-time responsibility for them over the summer.

How do you babysit spoiled kids?

The four steps to babysitting difficult children:

Step 1: Maintain Structure & Routine.
Step 2: Maintain Authority.
Step 3: Maintain a Fun Atmosphere.
Step 4: Maintain a Positive Attitude. To be clear, this is not an article discussing the care of children that are difficult because they’re not feeling well.

How much should I charge for babysitting?

Babysitting rates in Auckland

Specifically, the average babysitting rate in Auckland is $19.86 per hour. This is 22 cents higher than the average of $19.64 per hour and $1.54 higher than last years average of $18.32. The cost of babysitting in Auckland has risen nearly 2 dollars since 2020.

What are the three biggest responsibilities of a babysitter?

Here are the most common responsibilities of a babysitter:

Ensuring child safety.
Preparing meals and snacks.
Helping with homework.
Playing games and having fun!
Changing diapers.
Getting children to bed on time.
Laundry and light housework.
Bathing and dressing young children.

Should babysitters be clean?

It’s fair to expect a babysitter to be responsible for cleaning up any mess made while they are working. They should leave your house about as clean as they found it when they arrived. Not any cleaner, and not any messier.

How do you know when to fire your nanny?

Lack of Attention or Neglect

Intentional neglect, however, is a reason for immediate termination. If your children are frequently hungry, dirty, crying, tired, or need to be changed, the nanny may be neglecting them.

How do you politely turn down a babysitting job?

For example, if the job is too long, say something like, “I’m sorry I can’t accept the job because I don’t feel comfortable babysitting for such a long time.” If you’re not comfortable giving the reason, simply say, “I’m sorry, but I’m not available.”

Should you pay babysitter if you cancel?

The family should pay you, regardless if you work or not. You depend on that income. If they cancel and don’t pay you, then perhaps it’s time to move on yo another child care position.

Can I fire my nanny for being sick?

If she said she was ok and would be in and then called in today, then yes, fire her. If she’s otherwise reliable and this is the first incident then you need to have a conversation with her and let her know you need more notice than that for calling in sick.

Babysitter charged with abuse

What to Consider if You Intend on Firing Your Nanny

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Summary of article content: Articles about What to Consider if You Intend on Firing Your Nanny Updating …
Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for What to Consider if You Intend on Firing Your Nanny Updating Firing your nanny isn’t easy. With proper preparation, professional attitude, and understanding of the law, you can handle difficult terminations.
Table of Contents:

1 Add terminationresignation language to your work agreement

2 Understand at-will employment

3 Conduct job performance evaluations

4 Identify address and document issues

5 Ask yourself why you want to fire your nanny

6 Know when to fire immediately

7 Set a backup plan for childcare

8 Check your state’s employment laws

9 Decide whether to give severance andor notice

10 Write a termination letter

11 Write a letter of recommendation

12 Have a professional honest conversation

13 Provide a final paycheck

14 Document your termination discussion

15 Take precautions after termination

16 Respond to any correspondence from your state

Be prepared if you’ve been paying illegally

Firing Your Nanny and Need a Replacement

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What to Consider if You Intend on Firing Your Nanny

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Summary of article content: Articles about How to Fire a Babysitter Politely (Plus 10 Reasons Why) Be honest. Just tell them the truth. If it’s not something your babysitter d and is just due to unfortunate circumstances like losing your job … …
Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How to Fire a Babysitter Politely (Plus 10 Reasons Why) Be honest. Just tell them the truth. If it’s not something your babysitter d and is just due to unfortunate circumstances like losing your job … Learn how to fire your babysitter nicely and as smoothly as possible. As well as reasons you might fire a babysitter and reasons why you probably shouldn’t.
Table of Contents:

Preparing And Having The Talk With Your Babysitter

Making Your Talk Go As Smoothly As Possible

Reasons You Might Fire A Babysitter

Reasons NOT To Fire Your Babysitter

Conclusion

What to Consider if You Intend on Firing Your Nanny

Firing your nanny isn’t easy. Since you’ve invited this person into your home and they care for your children, there may be personal bonding that goes beyond a typical employer-employee relationship. You’re also taking away their source of income with potentially very little notice.

It may be a little easier if there is an amicable split and you no longer need a nanny. It could be you’re your children are older and now going to school during the day or your family is moving.

But what if you need to fire a nanny for cause? Those separations could be tougher to initiate and become more emotional.

We’ll lay out the steps to firing your nanny starting even before they begin work.

1. Add termination/resignation language to your work agreement

Before your nanny’s first day of the job, the work agreement should contain a section on how terminations and resignations will be handled including notice, severance, and reasons for immediate firing. Indicate that any action that is illegal or inappropriate is grounds for prompt dismissal and repeated, documented issues can also lead to termination of employment.

Also, add an at-will statement to the work agreement.

The work agreement should be signed by you and your employee, which serves as an acknowledgment that they have read and understood the document. Keep the work agreement with your records and supply a copy to your nanny.

2. Understand at-will employment

At-will employment means your nanny works at the will of your family. You can fire your nanny at any time for good reason or no cause at all. You do not necessarily need to give a warning before a termination provided it’s indicated in your work agreement.

It also means your employee can also quit at any time.

Potential exceptions to at-will employment include a signed contract for a fixed period of time and violations of state law.

In every state but Montana, employment is presumed to be at-will.

3. Conduct job performance evaluations

Common in traditional work settings, regular job performance reviews can help you identify areas of improvement for your nanny and open conversations on how they can get better at their jobs. You may be able to avoid firing your nanny altogether and start another childcare search if your employee can turn around their performance. Evaluating their work, providing feedback, and establishing guidelines can help your nanny get back on track if they’re struggling on the job.

4. Identify, address and document issues

If you’re having problems with your employee, it’s important to identify these issues and address them as soon as possible. Provide written documentation that is dated and signed by you and your employee. Again, provide a copy to your employee and keep one with their personnel file.

Now you’re providing your employee notice about their unsatisfactory performance and you have a record of employee issues.

Addressing the problem early on gives your nanny a chance to correct their problems before you decide to terminate their employment. If their performance improves, then you have avoided turnover. Still let them know that if issues continue, they can be fired.

By having documentation, you can show just cause for firing your nanny. It also demonstrates a progressive process and that you tried to rectify the situation and terminating employment was a final step. Documentation may also be needed if your nanny files for unemployment and the state contacts you. They can be denied benefits if they were fired because of their own actions.

5. Ask yourself why you want to fire your nanny

There are certainly plenty of reasons to dismiss your employee. But you shouldn’t fire your nanny because you set unrealistic expectations, or you have poor communication skills. Nannies are child care professionals, but they can’t read your mind.

You could fire your employee over repeated instances of:

Absenteeism/unreliability

Poor work quality

Failure to perform tasks

Tardiness

Lack of attention/neglect

Failure to enforce house rules

By law, you can’t fire an employee based on race, creed, national origin, age, handicap, gender, sexual orientation or marital status.

6. Know when to fire immediately

Poor performance doesn’t necessarily mean your nanny should be fired on the spot. Some issues can be fixed, and you may wind up having a better employee.

However, do not give your nanny second chances for illegal actions, reckless behavior or putting children in danger. Your family’s safety is your primary concern and any of the following can be means for immediate termination:

Misconduct

Theft

Neglecting their duties

Misused family property

Substance abuse (on the job; or showing up to work under the influence)

Dishonesty

Safety concerns

7. Set a backup plan for childcare

If you’re firing your nanny without notice, you’ll want to have a backup plan in place. Perhaps you and/or your spouse will take time off work or rely on friends or family members to fill in while you find a new nanny. A placement agency may be able to provide a temporary caregiver.

8. Check your state’s employment laws

You’ll want to make sure the termination is consistent with relevant state employment laws to minimize any chance of legal action by your employee.

9. Decide whether to give severance and/or notice

Severance isn’t legally required. If you’ve included it in your work agreement, you’ll need to follow what was agreed upon. It’s ok not to provide severance if your nanny is immediately fired for misconduct. safety concerns or illegal actions.

Notice is also not required and not recommended if you’re firing your nanny for cause. You’re better off finding temporary care rather than have a fired employee care for your children for a couple of weeks or longer.

If your nanny is let go through no fault of their own, because your kids are now going to school or your family is moving, it’s acceptable to provide severance that is financially affordable for you. A common guideline is one week’s pay for every year the employee worked for you. Providing notice is also customary and you should provide as much as possible or follow your work agreement if you’ve included language on amount of notice. Try to give at least two weeks’ notice and possibly up to four weeks or more depending on your circumstances.

10. Write a termination letter

Put the termination in writing and provide this document at the end of your conversation. The letter should include:

Time and date of termination

What’s included in the final paycheck

When the final paycheck will be issued

Any other relevant information

11. Write a letter of recommendation

If you need to let go of your nanny through no fault of their own, then providing a letter of recommendation is the right thing to do. It will help them find their next job. You may even want to let other families, friends, neighbors, and colleagues know that your nanny is available for work. Offer to be a reference as your nanny starts a new job search. Being laid off and losing your source of income can be a scary time for your employee. Try to do what you can to ease their anxieties.

Obviously, if you had serious issues with your nanny, you don’t have to write a recommendation. However, if you’re letting your nanny go because it wasn’t a good fit for your family, you had different approaches to child care or the relationship just wasn’t working, you may want to provide a recommendation as your nanny could be a good match for another family. You may even say you could be a reference. If a family calls you about your terminated employee, be honest about why you fired them and talk about their weaknesses as well as their strengths.

12. Have a professional, honest conversation

As mentioned, you may have developed a personal as well as professional relationship with your nanny while they worked for you. That could make a tough conversation that much more uncomfortable and difficult. Plus, you may not have experience in terminating an employee under any circumstances.

However, you should never fire an employee over the phone or through text or email. This needs to be done in person.

Here are some other guidelines on dismissing an employee.

The best time to have this discussion is at the end of the workday to minimize the time between terminating and leaving.

Be honest. Tell your nanny exactly why they’re being fired. Mention that you’ve addressed and documented past issues and you’re still unsatisfied with their job performance.

Be concise and stick to the facts. Avoid an emotional or angry response.

Let your employee know about any potential severance and possible unemployment compensation. Make sure they understand the confidentiality agreement – if you included one in your work agreement – remains intact even after their employment has ended. Anything they learned about your family should remain private.

While you’ll want your nanny to have their say – this shouldn’t be a one-way conversation – you still need to be firm and not allow them to talk their way back into their job. You’ve given them a few chances to improve and haven’t seen the progress you desired. Don’t provide false hope that maybe you’ll hire them back at some point or use them for babysitting. Make a clean break.

Have an adult witness present when you have this conversation. It should be held in private – never in public and never with children around.

Collect items like house keys, car keys, credit cards, car seats, and anything else that is a family item that you may have provided to your nanny.

13. Provide a final paycheck

Your employee should be paid for all work performed up to their termination even if they are immediately fired. You may need to pay for unused paid time off based on your work agreement. Never withhold pay for hours worked as that can get you into legal trouble. Again, check with your state’s labor department on the laws around the final paycheck. It could be required by the next available payday or at the time of termination.

If you use a payroll service, let them know you have terminated your employee.

14. Document your termination discussion

Right after you let your employee go, write down what was discussed and keep it in your employee’s personnel file. Again, this will help in case there is any legal action from your employee.

15. Take precautions after termination

After you’ve fired your employee, there are a few precautionary steps to take. You’ll want to change your home security codes as well as notify neighbors, school personnel, daycare staff, doctor’s office, and others that your nanny may have interacted with that they no longer work for you.

16. Respond to any correspondence from your state

If your nanny files for unemployment – whether they are eligible or not – your state will ask you about the terms of dismissal. Let them know your nanny was fired for cause and provide any documentation if requested. Make sure you respond to their communications. Without your input, they will rule on your nanny’s behalf. If they are awarded benefits, you’ll see your unemployment tax rate increase.

Be prepared if you’ve been paying illegally

A nanny filing for unemployment is one of the easiest ways for a household employer who has been shirking their tax obligations to get caught. If you haven’t been paying unemployment taxes, your state could report you to the IRS and you’ll be required to pay all your employee’s unemployment benefits. Considering a full-time nanny could get around $250/week for up to 39 weeks in benefits, you would be on the hook for about $10,000 or more. It makes sense to employ your nanny legally and pay your unemployment insurance tax, which may be only a few hundred dollars a year.

This is the first in a four-part series on termination and resignation. Coming soon … how to handle your nanny’s resignation, understanding why your nanny quit, and what to do about your children’s “separation sadness” when your nanny leaves.

Firing Your Nanny and Need a Replacement?

Download Your Guide to Hiring a Nanny. In this new guide, we lay out the steps on how to hire a nanny the right way and maintain a strong relationship with your employee.

How to Fire a Babysitter Politely (Plus 10 Reasons Why)

Firing someone is never an easy task, but sometimes it just needs to be done. Your babysitter is no exception.

How do you fire a babysitter politely? Do it face to face. Show compassion, but don’t draw it out longer than necessary either. Offer severance or compensation as required, as well as a reference if the reason you’re letting them go isn’t their fault. Keep everything documented in writing to help protect yourself down the road

Maybe you’ve lost your job and can’t afford a babysitter anymore. Or perhaps your sitter simply isn’t performing as well as you expect. Whatever the reason, in this article you’ll learn how to fire your babysitter nicely and as smoothly as possible. As well as reasons you might fire a babysitter and reasons why you probably shouldn’t.

Preparing And Having The Talk With Your Babysitter

Set clear expectations for them. Your babysitter can’t meet your expectations if you haven’t communicated them. Something that might seem like common sense to you might not be to them. Ideally, you want to have as many of your expectations in writing as possible. When you hire your babysitter, you should have an employment contract that lays everything out.

If your expectations have changed or your babysitter is no longer following your guidelines, you need to communicate about it.

Find the issue

Before you fire your babysitter, identify the issue(s) that’s making you feel like things that aren’t working out. Are they major things you likely won’t be able to resolve? Or is it one or two small things that you might be able to discuss with them and work on?

Ask your friends and family members for input

Something small like yelling at the kids or rolling their eyes may be able to be fixed with a simple conversation.

Keep a paper trail

If you’re having conversations with a babysitter that isn’t meeting your expectations, you need to document it in writing.

This could just be a record for yourself to remember how many times you’ve had to discuss the issue and when. Or you might want to make it more of a “formal write-up” where your babysitter needs to go over the issue with you and sign and date it.

Documenting is a good way to let your babysitter know that after one or two warnings, you may have to terminate your relationship with them if some behaviors continue.

Once you decide to fire, make a new plan

You might reach a point where things just aren’t working out, and you can’t keep working with your current babysitter. If that’s the case, it’s time to make new plans.

Assume that once you fire your babysitter, the relationship won’t be cordial and they won’t agree to work another 2 weeks before leaving. Set up a new childcare plan so that you don’t have to scramble to find a new sitter after the fact.

Do it face to face

You wouldn’t want your employer to send you a casual email telling you that you’re fired, and you wouldn’t want your husband or wife to divorce you via text message. So give your babysitter the courtesy of firing them face to face instead of over email or phone too.

Do it quickly

Once you’re certain that it’s time to let your babysitter go, get it over with. There will never be a situation or time that feels “right” or “good” to fire them. Just do it right away once you’ve made your mind up.

Set a time

Schedule a time to talk to your babysitter and give them the bad news. Either at the end of a babysitting shift, or you might want to have them over at an entirely separate time. If you need someone there for moral support that’s fine, but try not to make it feel like the babysitter is being ganged up on.

Don’t have your kids there

Firing someone is an adult situation that kids don’t need to be a part of. Your kids might still feel strongly about their babysitter, even if you don’t think they’ve been doing a good job. Plus it might be embarrassing for your sitter.

Find a balance

You want to be firm in your decision but also show compassion. Don’t waver and give your sitter a chance to talk you out of it. It will only make it harder the next time you have to try and fire them again.

There’s no reason to be unnecessarily confronting or rude though. Be compassionate, keep the conversation short, and speak to them at the end of the day.

If your gut tells you that they’ll still do a good job after being told you’re letting them go, you might be able to just give them notice. But in most cases, it’s better to simply give them pay for work already completed and maybe some severance and cut ties.

Labor laws may vary depending on where you live. Some places require you to pay immediately at the time of termination. Other places might only require you to pay on the next regular payday.

Offer a recommendation

Many times you have to let a babysitter go for reasons outside of their control, like if your kids are too old to need a babysitter any more. If that’s the case, you can make getting their next job easier by giving them a letter of recommendation. It’s a great way to let them know that you appreciated their work and it’s not their fault you’re having to let them go.

Don’t know how to write a reference? See my Guide to Writing Babysitter References, and see my Sample Babysitter References Letters for inspiration.

Offer compensation

If you’re ending the relationship on good terms, you might let your sitter keep working for an extra couple of weeks while they transition into a new job. Or just give them a one-time severance payment.

Ask for any personal property back

If your babysitter has keys to your house, make sure you get those back. As well as any other personal items you’ve provided to them, possibly including credit cards. Consider changing alarm system and garage codes as well.

Inform school or daycare

If your babysitter has been picking up your kids from school or daycare, call and let them know about the change. You should inform them both in person and also in writing.

Explain to your kids

Having their babysitter suddenly never return can be a shock to kids, especially if they spent a ton of time together and grew quite close. Let them know the reasons if appropriate and if your kids are old enough to understand. But don’t be surprised if they’re still upset and feeling a bit betrayed by you anyway.

Making Your Talk Go As Smoothly As Possible

Rehearse it

It might help to write out yourself a script or some bullet points that you want to touch on. You might need to rehearse in front of the mirror or whatever makes you feel more comfortable too. The more you prepare for this, the more confident and relaxed you’ll be, and less likely to stumble over your words.

Emotionally prepare

Don’t blame yourself. Keep in mind that you’re making the best decision for your family, and try not to let sadness or guilt factor into it. Before you speak with your sitter, take some time to relax and take some deep breaths.

Pick your words carefully

Don’t use harsh and final-sounding words like “fired,” especially if there’s a chance you might need to hire your babysitter again in the future. Choose softer words like them being “let go.”

Get to the point

Don’t start a big dramatic speech that builds up stress and confuses your babysitter. Let them know within the first couple of minutes that you’re letting them go. A big build-up doesn’t help to soften the message and just makes things confusing. Follow your firing with any compensation offer quickly as well.

Show compassion

You don’t want to get overly emotional, but if you don’t show any compassion at all it can come across cold and heartless. That might be detrimental if you do ever need this babysitter again in the future. Show sympathy for their situation and that you can put yourself in their shoes.

Be honest

Just tell them the truth. If it’s not something your babysitter did and is just due to unfortunate circumstances like losing your job, tell them you did everything possible to avoid this. If they did something wrong, provide concrete examples and reasons why they’re being let go. The stronger your argument, the less likely it is that they’ll try to reason their way out of it.

Give your babysitter time to react

If your kids are approaching an age they no longer need a babysitter or signs that your family is struggling financially have been clear, your babysitter might already be somewhat prepared for what’s coming. But you might completely blindside them as well. Be prepared that this conversation will come as a big shock to your sitter. Answer any questions or concerns your babysitter has.

Offer help

If you know anyone else who needs a babysitter, perhaps you can put them in contact with each other. Or you can ask around your family and friends to see if anyone else needs a sitter.

End with a high note

Let your babysitter know how much you valued their services and that you regret things have to end now. Let them know if you’d like the option of re-hiring them if things change in the future, but don’t make any promises you can’t keep either. Let them know that the kids adore them and other feel-good facts.

Get it in writing

Even if things end cordially, you should still put the details in writing. Your sitter may have been in shock and not heard every word you said during your conversation. Write down their last day of employment, severance pay amount, and other information.

Should you let them say goodbye?

You’ll have to listen to your gut and see how you feel about letting your sitter say goodbye to your children. In some situations, you might feel okay about it, and in others, it might not be appropriate.

If your sitter has been watching your kids for years and they’re very attached, it’s good to give everyone a chance to say goodbye. Explain to your kids that their sitter won’t be coming over anymore, or that someone else will be caring for them.

Be flexible with your kids and sympathetic to their situation too. If they want to write a goodbye card to send to their babysitter, let them.

Reasons You Might Fire A Babysitter

Lying. If your babysitter says they’re doing something, but you have proof they really aren’t. If they’re constantly not telling the truth, you should question whether you can trust them around your kids.

Theft

You hired a new babysitter and suddenly jewelry, loose change, and other items around the house have started to go missing. Consider alternatives, like your kids taking and hiding things, or that you may have simply misplaced something. But if there’s a consistent pattern of objects disappearing, your babysitter might be the culprit.

Signs of abuse

Scrapes and bruises on children are pretty common. But if your kids seem to be getting hurt more than normal, have hand marks on them, or seem afraid of your babysitter, you want to deal with the situation right away.

Signs of neglect

If your child always seems hungry or dirty when you get home, your babysitter might not be withholding their responsibilities to the level you should expect.

Substance abuse

If your babysitter is acting a bit odd, trust your gut. If you have proof that your babysitter has been using drugs or alcohol on the job, or you find drugs or alcohol in your home, you should end your relationship with them right away.

Lack of reliability

Everyone is late occasionally. But if your babysitter is constantly late or calling in sick, you might want to reconsider working with them. Reliability is an important part of being a good caregiver.

Failing to enforce house rules

If your sitter can’t enforce your rules, it might not be a good fit either. If you often come home and find your kids have been watching TV or eating candy more than you allow, it might be time to let your sitter go.

See our list of babysitter rules that we recommend all parents enforce.

Plus be aware of these bad babysitter warning signs that you should look out for.

Not every reason you might want to fire a babysitter is their fault. Here are some reasons you could need to let a babysitter go that isn’t anything they’ve said or done.

You’re moving

Obviously, if you’re relocating to another city then you won’t be able to use their services anymore. But even moving across town might make it inconvenient too.

Your schedule or needs change

Maybe you’ve started working nights instead of daytime shifts, or you’re going to work from home and can watch the kids yourself during the day now.

Financial issues

If you lose your job or the economy takes a downturn, you might not be able to afford a babysitter anymore and might have to rely on family or friends instead.

Reasons NOT To Fire Your Babysitter

Not giving them enough time to settle in. Realize that your new babysitter can’t read your mind and will take a bit of time to figure out exactly how you like things done.

Unrealistic expectations

Your babysitter can’t pick your kids up from school, take them to the park, prepare dinner for them, and clean your house all in 4 hours.

Micromanaging

Give your babysitter general instructions, but don’t try to manage every single move that they make. Give them a bit of freedom to take care of your kids in their own way, as long as it’s working.

Jealousy

You shouldn’t feel threatened that your kids love your babysitter more than you, or start getting paranoid that they’re having an affair with your partner. Instead of being jealous, be happy that your family is being taken care of and has someone they’re close with.

Conclusion

Firing a babysitter is something that needs to be handled carefully. It can be a difficult and emotional situation for everybody involved.

As a parent, you might worry about guilt and potential retaliation from your babysitter.

It’s going to be an uncomfortable situation, but you can’t put it off forever. After reading this article, you should now have a good idea of how to lessen the impact and let your babysitter go as smoothly and politely as possible.

When looking for a new babysitter be sure to follow our complete guide: How to interview a babysitter and look out for these essential babysitter qualities to ensure you find the right sitter for the job.

Related Questions

Do I owe my babysitter unemployment?

If your babysitter is only part-time and working for you occasionally, you likely don’t owe them unemployment. For long-term babysitters who work multiple days per week or are more like nannies, you might have been paying taxes on their behalf. If that’s the case, there are really two scenarios.

If your babysitter is let go because of no fault of their own, they might be eligible for unemployment benefits.

If your babysitter is getting fired because of their performance, they probably won’t be eligible for unemployment. If they apply you’ll still get a notice from the government that they applied. Just explain the situation truthfully.

Do I need a signed contract with my babysitter?

A written agreement isn’t necessary, but it’s very important and can make your life a lot easier if things with your babysitter don’t work out. Having specific parts of the contract to point to during firing can make things easier because it’s clear which of your rules the babysitter has violated.

Next:

How to Fire a Babysitter Politely (Plus 10 Reasons Why)

Firing someone is never an easy task, but sometimes it just needs to be done. Your babysitter is no exception.

How do you fire a babysitter politely? Do it face to face. Show compassion, but don’t draw it out longer than necessary either. Offer severance or compensation as required, as well as a reference if the reason you’re letting them go isn’t their fault. Keep everything documented in writing to help protect yourself down the road

Maybe you’ve lost your job and can’t afford a babysitter anymore. Or perhaps your sitter simply isn’t performing as well as you expect. Whatever the reason, in this article you’ll learn how to fire your babysitter nicely and as smoothly as possible. As well as reasons you might fire a babysitter and reasons why you probably shouldn’t.

Preparing And Having The Talk With Your Babysitter

Set clear expectations for them. Your babysitter can’t meet your expectations if you haven’t communicated them. Something that might seem like common sense to you might not be to them. Ideally, you want to have as many of your expectations in writing as possible. When you hire your babysitter, you should have an employment contract that lays everything out.

If your expectations have changed or your babysitter is no longer following your guidelines, you need to communicate about it.

Find the issue

Before you fire your babysitter, identify the issue(s) that’s making you feel like things that aren’t working out. Are they major things you likely won’t be able to resolve? Or is it one or two small things that you might be able to discuss with them and work on?

Ask your friends and family members for input

Something small like yelling at the kids or rolling their eyes may be able to be fixed with a simple conversation.

Keep a paper trail

If you’re having conversations with a babysitter that isn’t meeting your expectations, you need to document it in writing.

This could just be a record for yourself to remember how many times you’ve had to discuss the issue and when. Or you might want to make it more of a “formal write-up” where your babysitter needs to go over the issue with you and sign and date it.

Documenting is a good way to let your babysitter know that after one or two warnings, you may have to terminate your relationship with them if some behaviors continue.

Once you decide to fire, make a new plan

You might reach a point where things just aren’t working out, and you can’t keep working with your current babysitter. If that’s the case, it’s time to make new plans.

Assume that once you fire your babysitter, the relationship won’t be cordial and they won’t agree to work another 2 weeks before leaving. Set up a new childcare plan so that you don’t have to scramble to find a new sitter after the fact.

Do it face to face

You wouldn’t want your employer to send you a casual email telling you that you’re fired, and you wouldn’t want your husband or wife to divorce you via text message. So give your babysitter the courtesy of firing them face to face instead of over email or phone too.

Do it quickly

Once you’re certain that it’s time to let your babysitter go, get it over with. There will never be a situation or time that feels “right” or “good” to fire them. Just do it right away once you’ve made your mind up.

Set a time

Schedule a time to talk to your babysitter and give them the bad news. Either at the end of a babysitting shift, or you might want to have them over at an entirely separate time. If you need someone there for moral support that’s fine, but try not to make it feel like the babysitter is being ganged up on.

Don’t have your kids there

Firing someone is an adult situation that kids don’t need to be a part of. Your kids might still feel strongly about their babysitter, even if you don’t think they’ve been doing a good job. Plus it might be embarrassing for your sitter.

Find a balance

You want to be firm in your decision but also show compassion. Don’t waver and give your sitter a chance to talk you out of it. It will only make it harder the next time you have to try and fire them again.

There’s no reason to be unnecessarily confronting or rude though. Be compassionate, keep the conversation short, and speak to them at the end of the day.

If your gut tells you that they’ll still do a good job after being told you’re letting them go, you might be able to just give them notice. But in most cases, it’s better to simply give them pay for work already completed and maybe some severance and cut ties.

Labor laws may vary depending on where you live. Some places require you to pay immediately at the time of termination. Other places might only require you to pay on the next regular payday.

Offer a recommendation

Many times you have to let a babysitter go for reasons outside of their control, like if your kids are too old to need a babysitter any more. If that’s the case, you can make getting their next job easier by giving them a letter of recommendation. It’s a great way to let them know that you appreciated their work and it’s not their fault you’re having to let them go.

Don’t know how to write a reference? See my Guide to Writing Babysitter References, and see my Sample Babysitter References Letters for inspiration.

Offer compensation

If you’re ending the relationship on good terms, you might let your sitter keep working for an extra couple of weeks while they transition into a new job. Or just give them a one-time severance payment.

Ask for any personal property back

If your babysitter has keys to your house, make sure you get those back. As well as any other personal items you’ve provided to them, possibly including credit cards. Consider changing alarm system and garage codes as well.

Inform school or daycare

If your babysitter has been picking up your kids from school or daycare, call and let them know about the change. You should inform them both in person and also in writing.

Explain to your kids

Having their babysitter suddenly never return can be a shock to kids, especially if they spent a ton of time together and grew quite close. Let them know the reasons if appropriate and if your kids are old enough to understand. But don’t be surprised if they’re still upset and feeling a bit betrayed by you anyway.

Making Your Talk Go As Smoothly As Possible

Rehearse it

It might help to write out yourself a script or some bullet points that you want to touch on. You might need to rehearse in front of the mirror or whatever makes you feel more comfortable too. The more you prepare for this, the more confident and relaxed you’ll be, and less likely to stumble over your words.

Emotionally prepare

Don’t blame yourself. Keep in mind that you’re making the best decision for your family, and try not to let sadness or guilt factor into it. Before you speak with your sitter, take some time to relax and take some deep breaths.

Pick your words carefully

Don’t use harsh and final-sounding words like “fired,” especially if there’s a chance you might need to hire your babysitter again in the future. Choose softer words like them being “let go.”

Get to the point

Don’t start a big dramatic speech that builds up stress and confuses your babysitter. Let them know within the first couple of minutes that you’re letting them go. A big build-up doesn’t help to soften the message and just makes things confusing. Follow your firing with any compensation offer quickly as well.

Show compassion

You don’t want to get overly emotional, but if you don’t show any compassion at all it can come across cold and heartless. That might be detrimental if you do ever need this babysitter again in the future. Show sympathy for their situation and that you can put yourself in their shoes.

Be honest

Just tell them the truth. If it’s not something your babysitter did and is just due to unfortunate circumstances like losing your job, tell them you did everything possible to avoid this. If they did something wrong, provide concrete examples and reasons why they’re being let go. The stronger your argument, the less likely it is that they’ll try to reason their way out of it.

Give your babysitter time to react

If your kids are approaching an age they no longer need a babysitter or signs that your family is struggling financially have been clear, your babysitter might already be somewhat prepared for what’s coming. But you might completely blindside them as well. Be prepared that this conversation will come as a big shock to your sitter. Answer any questions or concerns your babysitter has.

Offer help

If you know anyone else who needs a babysitter, perhaps you can put them in contact with each other. Or you can ask around your family and friends to see if anyone else needs a sitter.

End with a high note

Let your babysitter know how much you valued their services and that you regret things have to end now. Let them know if you’d like the option of re-hiring them if things change in the future, but don’t make any promises you can’t keep either. Let them know that the kids adore them and other feel-good facts.

Get it in writing

Even if things end cordially, you should still put the details in writing. Your sitter may have been in shock and not heard every word you said during your conversation. Write down their last day of employment, severance pay amount, and other information.

Should you let them say goodbye?

You’ll have to listen to your gut and see how you feel about letting your sitter say goodbye to your children. In some situations, you might feel okay about it, and in others, it might not be appropriate.

If your sitter has been watching your kids for years and they’re very attached, it’s good to give everyone a chance to say goodbye. Explain to your kids that their sitter won’t be coming over anymore, or that someone else will be caring for them.

Be flexible with your kids and sympathetic to their situation too. If they want to write a goodbye card to send to their babysitter, let them.

Reasons You Might Fire A Babysitter

Lying. If your babysitter says they’re doing something, but you have proof they really aren’t. If they’re constantly not telling the truth, you should question whether you can trust them around your kids.

Theft

You hired a new babysitter and suddenly jewelry, loose change, and other items around the house have started to go missing. Consider alternatives, like your kids taking and hiding things, or that you may have simply misplaced something. But if there’s a consistent pattern of objects disappearing, your babysitter might be the culprit.

Signs of abuse

Scrapes and bruises on children are pretty common. But if your kids seem to be getting hurt more than normal, have hand marks on them, or seem afraid of your babysitter, you want to deal with the situation right away.

Signs of neglect

If your child always seems hungry or dirty when you get home, your babysitter might not be withholding their responsibilities to the level you should expect.

Substance abuse

If your babysitter is acting a bit odd, trust your gut. If you have proof that your babysitter has been using drugs or alcohol on the job, or you find drugs or alcohol in your home, you should end your relationship with them right away.

Lack of reliability

Everyone is late occasionally. But if your babysitter is constantly late or calling in sick, you might want to reconsider working with them. Reliability is an important part of being a good caregiver.

Failing to enforce house rules

If your sitter can’t enforce your rules, it might not be a good fit either. If you often come home and find your kids have been watching TV or eating candy more than you allow, it might be time to let your sitter go.

See our list of babysitter rules that we recommend all parents enforce.

Plus be aware of these bad babysitter warning signs that you should look out for.

Not every reason you might want to fire a babysitter is their fault. Here are some reasons you could need to let a babysitter go that isn’t anything they’ve said or done.

You’re moving

Obviously, if you’re relocating to another city then you won’t be able to use their services anymore. But even moving across town might make it inconvenient too.

Your schedule or needs change

Maybe you’ve started working nights instead of daytime shifts, or you’re going to work from home and can watch the kids yourself during the day now.

Financial issues

If you lose your job or the economy takes a downturn, you might not be able to afford a babysitter anymore and might have to rely on family or friends instead.

Reasons NOT To Fire Your Babysitter

Not giving them enough time to settle in. Realize that your new babysitter can’t read your mind and will take a bit of time to figure out exactly how you like things done.

Unrealistic expectations

Your babysitter can’t pick your kids up from school, take them to the park, prepare dinner for them, and clean your house all in 4 hours.

Micromanaging

Give your babysitter general instructions, but don’t try to manage every single move that they make. Give them a bit of freedom to take care of your kids in their own way, as long as it’s working.

Jealousy

You shouldn’t feel threatened that your kids love your babysitter more than you, or start getting paranoid that they’re having an affair with your partner. Instead of being jealous, be happy that your family is being taken care of and has someone they’re close with.

Conclusion

Firing a babysitter is something that needs to be handled carefully. It can be a difficult and emotional situation for everybody involved.

As a parent, you might worry about guilt and potential retaliation from your babysitter.

It’s going to be an uncomfortable situation, but you can’t put it off forever. After reading this article, you should now have a good idea of how to lessen the impact and let your babysitter go as smoothly and politely as possible.

When looking for a new babysitter be sure to follow our complete guide: How to interview a babysitter and look out for these essential babysitter qualities to ensure you find the right sitter for the job.

Related Questions

Do I owe my babysitter unemployment?

If your babysitter is only part-time and working for you occasionally, you likely don’t owe them unemployment. For long-term babysitters who work multiple days per week or are more like nannies, you might have been paying taxes on their behalf. If that’s the case, there are really two scenarios.

If your babysitter is let go because of no fault of their own, they might be eligible for unemployment benefits.

If your babysitter is getting fired because of their performance, they probably won’t be eligible for unemployment. If they apply you’ll still get a notice from the government that they applied. Just explain the situation truthfully.

Do I need a signed contract with my babysitter?

A written agreement isn’t necessary, but it’s very important and can make your life a lot easier if things with your babysitter don’t work out. Having specific parts of the contract to point to during firing can make things easier because it’s clear which of your rules the babysitter has violated.

Next:

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