Getting over guilt of having to let a babysitter go

Anonymous
We’ve had the same babysitter for several years. There are some lovely things about her -most importantly that she is kind and loves our kids - but our needs have changed as our kids and family have grown and our careers have evolved, and I don’t think she is the right fit for us anymore.

I feel awful about it and can’t bring myself to hire someone new, even though realistically I really need to. I won’t elaborate on all the things, but they are legitimate. one of them for example, is that our current babysitter doesn’t drive and that has become problematic with older kids who need to do activities, have playdates, etc after school. In fact, if it’s raining hard, I have to rearrange my work schedule to be available so I can drive one of my kids to preschool. I also sometimes doubt her common sense. I was previously working from home so I felt I’d always be here if there was an emergency, but I will need to start going back into the office a few days a week and I simply don’t feel 100% comfortable that she could handle an emergency or even something like dealing with a kids medication if they’re not feeling well. She needs a lot of micromanagement. However, as mentioned, she is kind, reliable and loves my kids, so we’ve probably continued the situation longer than we should have.

If you were in a similar situation, how did you handle it? Anything I should keep in mind to make this less painful for all parties involved?
Anonymous
I think with RTO and her not being able to drive, it shouldn't be a surprise. We love you but with our lives changing so much we will have to find a new babysitter who can take on the driving aspects of the kids' schedules.

Anonymous
We have had a similar situation. We were able to give ours a lot of notice and she was very understanding and actually had been expecting it would change with the kids getting older. Your sitter probably knows she’s better suited for certain ages/tasks than others.
Anonymous
You sound like a very loyal + fair employer OP!

In order to alleviate some guilt on your end, perhaps you can send her away w/a nice severance amount as well as invite her to do some occasional date night babysitting in the future. ✨
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:We’ve had the same babysitter for several years. There are some lovely things about her -most importantly that she is kind and loves our kids - but our needs have changed as our kids and family have grown and our careers have evolved, and I don’t think she is the right fit for us anymore.

I feel awful about it and can’t bring myself to hire someone new, even though realistically I really need to. I won’t elaborate on all the things, but they are legitimate. one of them for example, is that our current babysitter doesn’t drive and that has become problematic with older kids who need to do activities, have playdates, etc after school. In fact, if it’s raining hard, I have to rearrange my work schedule to be available so I can drive one of my kids to preschool. I also sometimes doubt her common sense. I was previously working from home so I felt I’d always be here if there was an emergency, but I will need to start going back into the office a few days a week and I simply don’t feel 100% comfortable that she could handle an emergency or even something like dealing with a kids medication if they’re not feeling well. She needs a lot of micromanagement. However, as mentioned, she is kind, reliable and loves my kids, so we’ve probably continued the situation longer than we should have.

If you were in a similar situation, how did you handle it? Anything I should keep in mind to make this less painful for all parties involved?


The stupidity of hiring a babysitter or nanny who doesn't drive is mind boggling.
Anonymous
When you are a boss or employer, you cannot become emotionally attached to the workers.

Basic rules to adhere to there.
Anonymous
There is literally nothing to feel guilty about. You are going to the office and you need a nanny that drives. That is it. Give her plenty of notice and good references.
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