One idea is to start a new tradition to mark the start of a new relationship. Maybe a new activity like children's theatre that they will go to on her first solo day and once per week after. Also, try to come home early on the current nanny's last day to do a little send off. It will givve the kids a chance to wish her well on her new journey, acknowledge that she has needs too and its their turn to help her by allowing her to move on to get those needs met.

As a nanny, when I leave a job I always talk to the kids about it and explain that there will be some things about me that they miss, but some things that the new persondoes better or that they like better about her. Give the kids permission to be sad about the loss but also help them look for the good. The overlap idea is a good one. Any chance both nannies could do a Saturday together?

Other than that, I think the best thing would be
1) have a clear, detailed contract--always a good idea but also helps smooth the transition so that new nanny knows your policy on various things
2) day one mom/dad is in charge of kids and nanny is just shadowing you (be clear on this with kids and nanny) so that you can model your discipline style/expectations without her having to discipline kids in your presence on day one. Spend the day doing a boring basic version of your routine, plus driving around to local points of interest (park, grocery store, etc.)

Day two, you do morning routine together and help nanny get them out the door for a fun activity (new park, museum, etc.) or set up for a fun craft if that is more her style. Discuss with nanny what she has planned, but let her have time where you are not there to bond with the kids over something fun, then you help with lunch/nap routine, but let her get them up and play in the afternoon.

Day three-on plan to have new nanny do it all and just be close to your phone so she can call/text with questions.

Don't make any more of it than it has to be - your kids will take the majority of their cues from you. So you should be direct and matter of fact, but not overly dramatic.

Nanny Sue was so great, we're so lucky to have had her as part of the family for so long, but she is leaving us now. So Nanny Jane will be starting with us soon and she'll be great also.

Set the new nanny up for success by planning some fun things she can do with the kids. (Ages?) Maybe there's a class or activity she can take them to that will be a special treat. Maybe the new nanny has a special skill or something she likes to do with kids that would be a new diversion for your kids.

Plan a fun outing all together on the first day or two so the kids see you and the nanny getting along, setting all the same boundaries for behavior, etc... (And so the nanny can see you modelling the type of discipline and boundaries you want maintained.)

Don't ccompare your new nanny to your former nanny - that's not fair or helpful to anyone.

Trust the new nanny as soon as you're able - don't hover or micromanage.

Accept that it will take everyone a while to settle back into a routine but you all will - it will be an adjustment for all of you, including the new nanny.

If you'll be maintaining contact w/ the former nanny tell the kids that they'll get to see her in a few weeks (or whenever) or that she'll babysit sometimes or whatever...

But model the behavior for your kids that you hope they will demonstrate with the new nanny.

FWIW, I just went through this w/ my preschoolers for some serious disruption in nanny care when the only nanny they've ever had in their lives suddenly was gone for most of the summer. I was astonished at their resiliency and flexibility. If you maintain your kids' routine and approach the transition with a sense of fun and anticipation they may surprise you.

Good luck!

Can the new nanny do some weekend babysitting ahead of time?

Tell the new nanny to be direct with the kids. "I know you must really miss Julie. Seeing me maybe reminds you of that. I don't do everything the same way she did."

Encourage her to encourage the kids to find things about her that are awesome. Maybe Old Nanny was great for baking and music but awful at crafts and reading, and New Nanny is great at crafts?

Anonymous wrote:Can the new nanny shadow the old nanny for a day/few hours? This would have numerous benefits and your kids may be more inclined to like someone if they see that their beloved current nanny and the new nanny are "friends". Plus, there are things she will be able to share about their day/little quirks that you just might not be aware of.

As for the transition week with you, consider making it brief, two or three days max. The only way nanny is really going to get on her feet and figure out the routine is by feeling comfortable enough to do it "her way", which is not to say that it would be drastically different from yours, she just needs the freedom to figure out what works for her. Having the boss with you at all times really makes it difficult to do so.

OP again--unfortunately our current nanny is leaving and the new nanny is putting in notice at her current job, so there really isn't a chance for any overlap. Our current/outgoing nanny has made it clear she'll be available to talk to the new nanny by phone and answer any and all questions about routine, and that should help a lot, it just won't give them a chance to be together with the kids.

Can the new nanny shadow the old nanny for a day/few hours? This would have numerous benefits and your kids may be more inclined to like someone if they see that their beloved current nanny and the new nanny are "friends". Plus, there are things she will be able to share about their day/little quirks that you just might not be aware of.

As for the transition week with you, consider making it brief, two or three days max. The only way nanny is really going to get on her feet and figure out the routine is by feeling comfortable enough to do it "her way", which is not to say that it would be drastically different from yours, she just needs the freedom to figure out what works for her. Having the boss with you at all times really makes it difficult to do so.

We have had the same great nanny for 3 years since my kids were very young. She leaves at the end of this week, and then DH and I will fill in for a week, then our new nanny starts.

Our kids are not happy about this. They have not interacted with any of the candidates we interviewed, including the one we're hiring. DH and I are prepared to take some time off for the new nanny's first week, but I don't want her to feel like we're breathing down her neck, and also realize it may make my kids' behavior worse. Any suggestions for how to ease into this change (which is happening really fast for all of us as our nanny gave 2 weeks notice)? I want to make sure our new nanny has time to see where everything is in our house, figure out where schools and activities are located, but don't want to make her first week more stressful.