Just cause to terminate nanny contract???

[Anonymous]

I have been with a family for a few weeks, (posted about the 5 year old hitting me recently) and will be quitting. My question is can I shorten my notice if there is just cause for me to terminate the contract. The contract, written by the parents states the 30 days notice is needed for termination or resignation, unless there is just cause. My reasoning is that the oldest child has threatened to hit me, has actually hit me, has thrown things at me and his youngest siblings (including a baby. them on a regular basis.) I am not comfortable with how the parents are handling it, they’ve effectively disregarded any advice or suggestions, all in the child’s best interest, instead opting for ‘positive parenting,’ which has been entirely ineffective with this child, for me. I’m honestly very uncomfortable, due to things the mother has said about the last nanny, as well as the child’s behavior and feel like if it’s more than two weeks, it will cause resentment, if it doesn’t already in that period. It’s not like me to quit so quickly, or to break a contract and give short notice, but this experience is unlike anything I’ve encountered before. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Anonymous]

They are not going to take this well whatever you do. You also haven't been there long. For both of those reasons, I wouldn't worry too much about preserving a good reference.

Are you planning to give them ANY notice?

[Anonymous]

I was planning on actually talking to them, giving them 2 weeks, and just explaining, I understand this is going to be very hard for you, it goes without saying, I would never treat your children any different, but I understand if you’re not comfortable keeping for two more weeks. I just don’t want to give 30 days notice because I am so uncomfortable, and I do not/will not put up with being hit, and me having to ‘positive parent’ my way through it. They’re gonna be pissed no matter how I approach this, because they don’t see anything wrong with their behavior.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was planning on actually talking to them, giving them 2 weeks, and just explaining, I understand this is going to be very hard for you, it goes without saying, I would never treat your children any different, but I understand if you’re not comfortable keeping for two more weeks. I just don’t want to give 30 days notice because I am so uncomfortable, and I do not/will not put up with being hit, and me having to ‘positive parent’ my way through it. They’re gonna be pissed no matter how I approach this, because they don’t see anything wrong with their behavior.

This seems like the best you can do. Good luck to you! I hope you find another job quickly with a calmer kid and more responsive parents.

[Anonymous]

Violence is just cause for quitting w/out notice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Violence is just cause for quitting w/out notice.

This. You've stayed much too long already. Make sure you get your last paycheck first, or they may try to delay it. You'll be happier to move on.

[Anonymous]

There is also extremely little chance they would sue you to enforce a contract.

[Anonymous]

The kid hits you. QUIT. NO NOTIVE.

[Anonymous]

Notice not notive

[Anonymous]

I have a suggestion that might make you feel better to quit: Next time the boy hits you (I'm assuming it's frequent, but not daily), you can be ready to give your notice that same day. "Johnny hit me again today and since his behavior has not changed in the past 5 weeks. I feel my suggestions on curbing his behavior are ignored so X day will be my last day."

[Anonymous]

Again.....
Make sure you collect your last paycheck with them and make sure it clears before quitting.

This way, you won’t also have to stress out over monies owed.

If you are being hit by a child, then I totally wouldn’t blame you if you just walked off the job.
No one else will either.

Physical abuse should never be tolerated.
It is the parent’s duty to ensure your safety at work.

[Anonymous]

Violence is cause for quitting, OP.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't give 2 weeks notice. You can stay 2 weeks but not 4 ? That doesn't make sense. If they do sue you all you should ever have to pay is the 4 weeks. Hopefully that would never happen but still better then being sued for millions.

[Anonymous]

MB here with an autistic child who I’ve always made sure doesn’t hit people. I would not tolerate living or working an environment where I was being threatened or being hit, even by child. Parents are not dealing with the situation. I would advise that you collect your last paycheck and quit on the same day, given the experience of the previous nanny. You have just cause.

[Anonymous]

I am really sorry op. I am sure you will find much better family