Think we hired the wrong nanny

[Anonymous]

After 6 months of going back and forth about our new nanny we just don’t think she is the right fit for our family. Kids haven’t really taken to her which is the biggest issue, but overall it’s mostly a personality clash. She isn’t so nurturing and fuzzy and I don’t think they respond well to her lack of warmth. She is also a bit direct and sarcastic with DH and me, and not in a good way. It sometimes feels like she is putting our parenting down.

I think we need to make a change in the new year. Has anyone else hired and then let go of a nanny who just wasn’t the right fit? How did they take it - I assume she will be pissed and we probably need to let her go on the spot. We will offer severance and a good recommendation because she is not a bad nanny, she just isn’t what we need.

[Anonymous]

Let her know as soon as you start process of getting a new one-hopefully plan works with no downtime of care but I'd give notice and severance rather than have her come once she's told.

And yes-I've done but realized mistake in first days

[Anonymous]

Do what’s best for your family and don’t think twice about it! Did she have good recommendations? When being used as a reference, be honest with the good and the bad. I would also be direct with her and what wasn’t working well for your family.

As far as letting her go, I would not give notice given that she is already a bit harsh and un-nurturing. I generally don’t recommend that course of action. Give a minimum severance of 2 weeks or whatever is in your contract.

I am a nanny and I think a good fit is imperative, especially for your children! Best of luck in your search!

[Anonymous]

We only had to fire one nanny and it was for similar reasons. Per our contract, we had to give 2 weeks notice if it wasn't for cause. We did, and gave her the option of being paid out those 2 weeks plus severance since it's understandably a bit of an awkward situation for all involved. She took that option.


Give her notice, but be prepared she may not come in during that notice period so have a back up plan.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think it matters one iota how she is with you and DH. But how she is with your children is absolutely paramount. If she has not bonded with them and is not nurturing, she must go.

Six months is long enough to know she isn’t what you want for your children. You can let her go with a clear conscience.

I don’t know if this is true/good advice or not but it worked out brilliantly for us: my SIL told us when we started interviewing for our then one newborn’s nanny to ask about her former charges. If the candidate beamed when talking about her former charges, she was going to be a good nanny. And our nanny did just that! She has been a loving and truly inspiring presence in my kids’ lives.