When your nanny decides to leave, whether the parting is mutual or unexpected, it can be an emotional and complicated time for everyone involved. Here are some important steps to consider to ensure a smooth transition and to maintain a positive relationship through the change:

Topics: caregiver payroll, household employee, household employer, hiring a nanny, nanny employment practices, nanny taxes, nanny employee, nanny return of family property, household payroll, nanny employment termination, nanny separation, caregiver, domestic worker, childcare, child care

Your kids love your nanny. She gets along great with your family. She has invested time and energy into your home. Suddenly, she quits. You might be wondering what went wrong. You might feel pushed into panic mode because you’re left without a reliable childcare option. What can you do? Here are some options that can help ease the stress.

Topics: nanny payroll tax, nanny job interview, nanny separation, temporary nanny, nanny interview

You’ve hired a nanny and you think she’s a perfect fit for your family. Great references and experience. You and your kids get along with her well and things are seemingly working out great. But then, she gives her notice. What went wrong? Maybe it’s not her, but it’s you. Here are some reasons why good nannies and caregivers often quit their jobs.

Topics: nanny, nanny separation, nanny management, caregiver management, agency, senior

Your relationship with your nanny is strained and you come home on Friday and she tells you she is done. Or you open an email or text on Saturday to the news your nanny quit. Things are going well, but your nanny gives you two weeks notice that she is moving to a new job. Whether it is on good terms or bad, there are things a family MUST know and address when the nanny leaves.

Topics: nanny return of family property, nanny employment termination, nanny separation

Nanny jobs are not forever, and the reasons for letting your child's caregiver do vary. Often, the children grow up and your beloved family nanny is no longer needed. Perhaps the nanny has horrible work habits - always late or a frequent 'no show.' Your family and the nanny simply may not 'click.' The nanny who was a wonderful nurturer of your infant does not have the energy to deal with your demanding toddler. Whatever the reason, figuring out how to terminate an employee gracefully can be an uncomfortable experience for both family and nanny.

Topics: household employee, nanny severance, nanny, nanny employee, nanny separation

Household staff, and nannies in particular, find that a former employer's letter of recommendation is an important part of his/her professional portfolio. The nanny or house manager often uses this portfolio, which is a collection of materials including her resume, work history, educational certifications, and examples of her work, to help 'sell' herself to prospective employers in the job interview. These letters are an important initial reference for families when they begin screening potential nannies and house managers.

Topics: nanny employment termination, nanny separation

Note: Special thanks to our guest blogger, Bob King, for his discussion below on nanny employment termination and the return of family property.  Bob is an attorney and founder of Legally Nanny, the leading law firm providing legal and tax advice to household employers.

Topics: nanny return of family property, nanny employment termination, nanny separation